Island Health

The Port Alice Health Centre no longer has xray services. (Debra Lynn photo)

Shuttle from Port Alice to Port Hardy increases access to X-rays and other services

People in Port Alice will benefit from daily access to non-urgent hospital-based…

The Port Alice Health Centre no longer has xray services. (Debra Lynn photo)
The investigation is still ongoing at Evans Park following police chasing a man driving a mini-loader that ended in a shooting March 28, 2023. (Sarah Simpson/Citizen)

Man left Cowichan hospital hours before chase, shooting incident

Cochrane treated in the morning, chase began after dark

The investigation is still ongoing at Evans Park following police chasing a man driving a mini-loader that ended in a shooting March 28, 2023. (Sarah Simpson/Citizen)
The Mental Health and Substance Use Service Link 1-888-885-8824 connects people to information and services in their community seven days a week. (Black Press Media file photo)

New number links Island Health residents to mental health, substance use resources

Mental Health and Substance Use Service Link 1-888-885-8824 available 7 days a week

The Mental Health and Substance Use Service Link 1-888-885-8824 connects people to information and services in their community seven days a week. (Black Press Media file photo)
Sheila Malcolmson, left, Diane Brennan and Emmy Manson, respective Nanaimo MLA, Island Health board director and Snuneymuxw band councillor, during a photo op at a press conference announcing high-acuity unit construction at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. (Karl Yu/News Bulletin)

High-acuity unit now being built at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

New unit, along with ICU also under construction, will expand access to critical care

Sheila Malcolmson, left, Diane Brennan and Emmy Manson, respective Nanaimo MLA, Island Health board director and Snuneymuxw band councillor, during a photo op at a press conference announcing high-acuity unit construction at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. (Karl Yu/News Bulletin)
Dr. Jane Pegg and the Roots to Read program at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital have received an award from the B.C. Patient Safety and Quality Council. (News Bulletin file photo)

Nanaimo program promoting reading to newborns wins provincial honour

Roots to Read program at NRGH recognized by B.C. Patient Safety and Quality Council

Dr. Jane Pegg and the Roots to Read program at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital have received an award from the B.C. Patient Safety and Quality Council. (News Bulletin file photo)
Longtime Port McNeill doctor Prean Armogam was sitting front row at the rally, showing his support for all of his patients. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)

Hundreds gather for rally as Island Health details North Island health crisis response

North Island residents say their voices are continuing to be ignored by Island Health

Longtime Port McNeill doctor Prean Armogam was sitting front row at the rally, showing his support for all of his patients. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)
James Hanson is the vice-president of North Island clinical operations for Island Health. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)

Island Health executive answers tough questions about North Island health care

James Hanson addresses lack of staff, public criticism other health care challenges in the region

James Hanson is the vice-president of North Island clinical operations for Island Health. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)
Island Health is inviting applications for its community wellness grant program. (News Bulletin file photo)

Island Health grants will support community health and wellness programs

Health authority inviting applications from non-profits, local governments and First Nations

Island Health is inviting applications for its community wellness grant program. (News Bulletin file photo)
Dr. Emanuela Tura says all of her invoices for last month have been rejected. (Courtesy Dr. Emanuela Tura)

‘Hitting a wall’: Victoria doctor fed up after B.C. fails to pay her for an entire month

Dr. Emanuela Tura says B.C. didn’t pay her for January, MSP says it’s a ‘glitch’

Dr. Emanuela Tura says all of her invoices for last month have been rejected. (Courtesy Dr. Emanuela Tura)
Dr. Alex Nataros and his therapy dog Pearl. (Submitted photo)

Island Health suspends Port Hardy doctor from ER, alleging ‘serious patient complaint’

Dr. Alex Nataros says his suspension was due to him speaking out against Island Health

Dr. Alex Nataros and his therapy dog Pearl. (Submitted photo)
A COVID-19 test. Island Health workers are being urged to not get tested. (Black Press Media file photo)
A COVID-19 test. Island Health workers are being urged to not get tested. (Black Press Media file photo)
Dr. Alex Nataros works at the Port Hardy Hospital, which has been in the news for years now due to closures and rotating hospital diversions. (Island Health photo)

Doctors call for Island Health executive’s resignation due to North Island struggles

Frustrated physicians say they have no confidence in health authority’s ability to address concerns

Dr. Alex Nataros works at the Port Hardy Hospital, which has been in the news for years now due to closures and rotating hospital diversions. (Island Health photo)
More than 100 people from different walks of life gather at Royal Jubilee Hospital for Code Hack 2020. (Black Press Media file photo)

Island Health’s Code Hack returns to help improve health care

Code Hack takes place at Royal Jubilee Hospital from March 10 to 12

More than 100 people from different walks of life gather at Royal Jubilee Hospital for Code Hack 2020. (Black Press Media file photo)
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak speaking at the launch event for their co-response team with Island Health. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)

Victoria police and Island Health launch co-response team to respond to mental health calls

The co-response team pairs a police officer with a registered mental health clinician

Victoria Police Chief Del Manak speaking at the launch event for their co-response team with Island Health. (Brendan Mayer/News Staff)
Ray Watkins Elementary School in Gold River has been closed for two days after some staff and students reported itchiness, redness and welts. Photo courtesy Vancouver Island West School District

Gold River elementary school closed for two days for health reasons

Staff and students at Ray Watkins Elementary reported itchiness, redness and welts on Wednesday

Ray Watkins Elementary School in Gold River has been closed for two days after some staff and students reported itchiness, redness and welts. Photo courtesy Vancouver Island West School District
Wayne Lim is the general manager of the Te Awamutu Medical Centre, on New Zealand’s North Island. The clinic cares for 14,000 patients, and typically has two physician associates among his staff of 50. Photo via YouTube

While demand for physician assistants grows worldwide, B.C. uses a ‘wait and see’ approach

This is the third instalment in a series of articles looking at…

Wayne Lim is the general manager of the Te Awamutu Medical Centre, on New Zealand’s North Island. The clinic cares for 14,000 patients, and typically has two physician associates among his staff of 50. Photo via YouTube
Leah Hollins and Kathy MacNeil prepare for public forum in Chemainus. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Island Health board chair reflects on challenges and accomplishments of the past year

Leah Hollins Special to Black Press 2022 challenged publicly-funded health-care systems locally…

  • Dec 28, 2022
Leah Hollins and Kathy MacNeil prepare for public forum in Chemainus. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Port Hardy Hospital will have no overnight emergency department for 18 days. (Island Health photo)

18-day overnight emergency department closure announced for Port Hardy Hospital

Port McNeill Hospital to remain open 24/7, unless otherwise announced as staffing shortages continue

Port Hardy Hospital will have no overnight emergency department for 18 days. (Island Health photo)
Port McNeill Hospital will be open 24/7 during the closures. (North Island Gazette file photo)

Island Health announces more North Island emergency department closures

Port McNeill Hospital’s emergency department will remain open 24/7 during both of these closures

Port McNeill Hospital will be open 24/7 during the closures. (North Island Gazette file photo)
Island Health’s Nanaimo Heart Function Clinic has moved from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to a nearby site at Dufferin Crescent. (News Bulletin file photo)

Island Health re-locates and expands its Nanaimo heart health clinic

Clinic moves from NRGH to nearby site at Dufferin Crescent

Island Health’s Nanaimo Heart Function Clinic has moved from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to a nearby site at Dufferin Crescent. (News Bulletin file photo)