Interior Health gets new CEO

Interior Health Board announces new CEO.

Interior Health.

Norman Embree, Board Chairman for Interior Health, today announced that Dr. Robert Halpenny has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for Interior Health effective immediately.

Dr. Halpenny joined Interior Health in January 2007 as the Senior Medical Director. In that capacity, he was responsible for coordinating and directing medical staff and providing leadership for the medical directors and clinical issues throughout Interior Health. He has also acted as Interim CEO at Interior Health since January 1, 2010.

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Interior Health reviews North Okanagan hospital services

Vernon operational review paves the way for 2011 new patient care tower.

Interior Health.

Interior Health has received the report of Medical Management Consulting which conducted a review of the operational services of Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the services offered in the communities of the North Okanagan.

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Cough and fever? — stay at home

Use your ER wisely – advice for patients with flu-like symptoms.

Interior Health.

Interior Health would like to remind everyone that hospital Emergency Departments are designed for the treatment of seriously ill patients and those requiring urgent care. If you go to the Emergency Department when your symptoms aren’t serious, this can result in high volumes and delays in treatment.

Most cases of the H1N1 flu virus in BC have been mild, with people recovering on their own, at home. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, particularly if you have a cough and a fever, it’s advised you stay home for 7-10 days or until your symptoms have resolved and you’re able to continue with daily activities. This will help prevent the spread of infection.

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‘Fair and equitable’ rate jump for residential care

Government to raise $53.7 million in revenue on the backs of seniors in residential care.

by Norm Macdonald MLA

Beginning January 2010, seniors in residential care facilities will now pay $53.7 million more. The BC Liberal government’s latest move to increase revenues comes at the expense of the most vulnerable seniors, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

Fees for room and board in residential care facilities will increase as much as 29%, which Health Minister Falcon claims is defensible.

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Non-emergency ambulance services outsourced

Patient transportation program expands to Kamloops and Salmon Arm.

Patients requiring non-emergency transfers between health facilities in the Kamloops and Salmon Arm areas will soon be transported by an alternate service provider rather than using valuable ambulance resources, Interior Health announced today.

Following on the success of a pilot project launched in the Central Okanagan in January, Medi-Van Canada Inc. – through contract with Interior Health – will provide patient transportation services for patients in Interior Health facilities who require transfer between facilities for medical appointments (e.g., lab or diagnostic imaging tests) and treatments of a non-urgent nature, or who require transfer assistance back to their homes. Medi-Van uses both stretcher vehicles and wheelchair vans that are equipped with basic patient care equipment.

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