Interior Health leaders visit Merritt
On Thursday, January 26, Interior Health CEO Susan Brown and Board Chair Doug Cochrane were finally able to visit the Nicola Valley Hospital.
Category: Health
Wastewater surveillance program expands into the B.C. Interior
With the global COVID-19 pandemic dragging on, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is expanding its program that monitors wastewater in several B.C. communities to test for the COVID-19 virus.
Lyttle to close practice
The Nicola Valley will soon be down a doctor, with general practitioner Dr. Morgan Lyttle announcing that he will close his practice in Merritt as early as April 2023.
BCEHS hosts an open house in Merritt
On Thursday, January 12, BCEHS hosted an open house at the Merritt Ambulance Station. Local residents were invited to drop in for a tour at the station, see the ambulances, get a blood pressure reading, and learn more about the BCEHS career pathway.
Province addresses Mayor Goetz’s decriminalization comments
The provincial government is looking to reassure British Columbians of their decision to apply for an exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amid some public backlash.
New holistic healing business opens in Merritt
Emmanuelle Dugas has always had a passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, with the local entrepreneur and massage therapist making her return to downtown Merritt by opening The Point Holistic Healing.
B.C. announces new supports for internationally educated nurses
The Province of B.C. announced that it will cover assessment fees, which costs more than $3,700, to remove financial barriers for internationally educated nurses (IENs) who want to work in B.C.
New coverage expansions to benefit Type 2 Diabetes patients
B.C. announced that effective Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, drug coverage for two medications will be expanded from limited coverage to regular benefit.
How to stick to your 2023 fitness resolution
As 2023 begins, a number of people are committing themselves towards self improvement. These commitments can range from a number of different areas, from passion, finances, relationships, and the most popular one, fitness.
Canadian Blood Services calling for blood donations
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is asking those eligible to consider donating plasma or blood, as national inventories of the red stuff dwindle amongst treacherous winter conditions.
Interior Health addresses ER closures, Merritt staffing levels
As emergency room closures and staff shortages plague hospitals throughout the province, including this week’s nine hour closure of the Nicola Valley Hospital’s ER, Interior Health is looking to recruit new staff and raise awareness of the cause behind the service disruptions.
Public health officials encourage families to get flu vaccine
As the winter season and its colder temperatures arrive, cold and flu season sneaks up right alongside it. Public health officials are encouraging families to get themselves vaccinated against influenza.
Merrittonian wins award for youth support work
After suffering from addiction and being taken away from her family, Cherokee Bent turned a new leaf, dedicating her time and energy to help others that were in similar situations as her.
Conayt runs support group for men
The Men’s support group, or Men’s Warrior Circle, is a program by Conayt that was started up in March of this year. Its aim is to provide a safe environment for men to discuss their life struggles and the challenges they face in finding their way back in society.
Honour Ranch opens after two year delay
Just an hour away from Merritt and 10 minutes away from Ashcroft lies a very unique accommodation for men and women who serve in uniform.
B.C. report shows relationship between homelessness deaths and toxic drug overdose
Preliminary reporting from the BC Coroners Service shows in 2021, 93% of all accidental deaths among people experiencing homelessness were identified as being caused by the illicit drug supply.
Province addresses healthcare crisis through workforce strategy
The provincial Ministry of Health looks to address this crisis through its new health workforce strategy, in addition to an increase in incentives for family doctors starting practice in B.C.
Construction underway at New Teck Emergency Department
Teck contributed $2.5 million toward Royal Inland Hospital’s new emergency room, which will feature antimicrobial copper surfaces and equipment to help protect patients and health-care workers
Harm reduction convention at the Civc Centre
Local organizations such as Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society (SCHSS) are looking to educate people to prevent any cases of toxic drug use in the community.
Locals raise awareness and funds with Walk of Hope
A new charity walk initiative came to Merritt this past weekend, raising both awareness and funds to support the fight against a type of cancer affecting 3,100 Canadian women each year.
