Health

Addictions

B.C.’s top doctor encourages fall vaccines as province sees early rise in influenza cases

Health Emily Joveski - October 7, 2026

B.C.’s flu season is off to an early start, with influenza cases rising as the province begins its fall vaccination campaign.

Slocan Community Health Centre ER to close temporarily Saturday

Health My Kootenay Now - September 25, 2026

The emergency department at Slocan Community Health Centre will be temporarily closed for 12 hours Saturday.

Paramedics union says B.C. quietly scaling back community care program

Health Emily Joveski - September 16, 2026

B.C.’s paramedics union is raising concerns that the province’s Community Paramedicine program is being scaled back.

Judge finds B.C. policy requiring foreign-trained doctors to work in rural areas is illegal

Health Emily Joveski - September 15, 2026

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled the province cannot require international medical graduates to work in designated communities after completing their residency.

First phase of Trail hospital parking lot upgrades completed

Health My Kootenay Now - September 2, 2026

The first phase of parking lot improvements at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail have been completed on schedule.

After a respite, Kootenay-Boundary drug deaths spike in June

Addictions My Kootenay Now - August 25, 2026

According to statistics out today from the BC Coroners Service, there were five deaths in the West Kootenay-Boundary in June and two deaths in the East Kootenay.

Downtown Trail blood lab to remain open

Health My Kootenay Now - August 11, 2026

Interior Health says a laboratory in the community health centre in downtown Trail will stay open permanently, reversing a decision of more than a year ago to close it.

BC SPCA urge pets owners to take precaution during air quality advisories

Health Kate Brown - August 10, 2026

The BC SPCA is urging pet owners to take precautions during air quality advisories to keep animals comfortable during wildfire season.

Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warnings across Kootenays

Health My Kootenay Now - August 7, 2026

Wildfire smoke is affecting communities across the Kootenay region, prompting air quality warnings and advice for residents to reduce their exposure.

Orange air quality alert issued as wildfire smoke blankets parts of B.C.

Health Emily Joveski - August 5, 2026

Air quality warnings have been upgraded to orange for several regions of southern and central B.C. as wildfire smoke is expected to linger for the next 24 to 48 hours.

B.C. nurses to end provincewide job action after accepting mediators’ recommendations

Health Kate Brown - July 25, 2026

The Nurses' Bargaining Association has ended provincewide job action after accepting settlement recommendations from special mediators, with outstanding compensation issues expected to proceed to binding arbitration this fall.