Interior Health has decided to postpone the expected spring opening of the Kootenay Lake Hospital (KLH) ER Redevelopment project after routine inspections revealed deficiencies with painting, millwork and mechanical systems. Interior Health said while these deficiencies have now been addressed, a concern has recently developed regarding the flooring installed in the Emergency Department and the […]

The volunteer opportunity of a lifetime is about to come open, as the longest-standing humanitarian organization in the world puts out the call for Branch Executive Committee (BEC) members. The Trail branch of St John Ambulance (SJA) serves the entire Kootenay region, from Sparwood to Grand Forks; Nakusp to the U.S. border,...

The Province is getting tough on riders who like to use novelty helmets by introducing new motorcycle safety regulations that requires all riders to wear protective headgear that meets international safety standards. “While B.C. already has mandatory helmet and seating laws, these new standards provide even more guidance to help riders — who are more […]

Anyone made uneasy by the temporary closure of Castlegar’s hospital in February and the lack of ambulance coverage in Castlegar over the holidays is going to be delighted with this latest bombshell from B.C. Ambulance Services (BCAS) – I was so horrified by what I learned here that I feel obligated to write about it […]

National Hospice Palliative Care Week (NHPCW) 2012 will be celebrated on May 6-12, 2012.  As people approach end-of-life, it is increasingly important for pathways of communication to remain open between family and all professionals and volunteers involved in a patient's continuum of care. The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care...

This is the time of year for seasonal allergies, so, to minimize them, be alkaline.  Alkalinity & acidity is based on the essential metabolic processes in the body. These processes take place at the smallest cellular level. Energy is acquired in humans by the breakdown or oxidation of large carbohydrates into smaller compounds from which […]

Trail RCMP Sgt. Rob Hawton is warning area drug users to be hyper-vigilant about their drug supply, after two area people suffered heart attacks. “On April 18, Trail and Greater District RCMP received a report of two people, both under 30 years of age, admitted to hospital recently with heart attacks linked to the ingestion […]

“Our airport is better.” “No, OUR airport is better.” “You’re not closing OUR school.” “Well, you’re sure not closing OURS. So there.” Every time I try to imagine how dialogue between Castlegar and Trail must sound to ministry officials at both the provincial and federal levels, I can almost hear the banjos playing in the […]

Asthma is an increased response of the airwaysto certain stimuli that are irritants/allergies or sensitivities to that person. This causes broncho-constriction, which means narrowing of the breathing passageways, which can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing or a chronic cough and in some cases can be life-threatening. At this time of year, I see many […]

The B.C. Supreme Court today told the BC Anesthesiologists’ Society its members cannot withdraw services from B.C. hospitals, at least not until after the judge rules on Apr. 20 on an injunction request from health authorities. The decision means no elective procedures or surgeries will be postponed as previously expected, ...