News & Updates

For immediate release Reid Johnson, president of Health Sciences Association, today urged the Vancouver Island Health Authority not to waste time conducting experiments in ideology when they could be taking action to reduce MRI wait times immediately. Johnson was commenting on VIHAs decision to seek bids to perform 6000 MRI scans in private facilities outside the public system, where MRI...

For immediate release Despite strong community opposition and media attention, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority continues to dismantle the outpatient Domestic Violence Program at Vancouver General Hospital. The 18-year-old program is slated to close at the end of this week. HSA President Reid Johnson said the sudden closure of this program puts vulnerable women at risk. -In-patient care is very...

The Vancouver Island Health Authority reported Sunday that the last patients from MV Sun Sea have been discharged, and the emergency response centre at Victoria General Hospital has now been closed. The health authority and unions have issued a final joint bulletin thanking all health care workers for their assistance in delivering medical care during this international humanitarian emergency. Read...

A small number of patients have begun to arrive today at the special unit prepared for the emergency medical care of migrants from the MV Sun Sea. The Vancouver Island Health Authority and the health care unions have issued a second joint bulletin to update health care workers. Click here to view second joint bulletin HSA thanks members responding to...

Over the past few days, VIHA has been working with health care unions to provide information and address concerns in preparation for receiving refugees requiring emergency medical care. Canadian officials confirmed today that 490 refugees are aboard a vessel approaching the BC coast. The old emergency department at Victoria General Hospital has been temporarily reopened to provide screening, triage, assessment...

BC Health Coalition ACTION ALERT:Dear Friend of Medicare, Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) has begun to shut the doors to its much-needed Domestic Violence Program after a sudden announcement last week. The well-respected outpatient program has been serving the community for 18 years. Some 25 people experiencing violent relationships access the program each week for counselling, support, and education as well...

Join HSA, the BC Federation of Labour and friends for a fun and relaxing family day at the annual Labour Day Picnic Monday, September 6, 11 am to 2 pmCentral Park in Burnaby (Kingsway between Boundary and Patterson) -- a 5-minute stroll from adjacent Patterson Skytrain Station The day will include family entertainment, fun (games and prizes), and food (hotdogs...

Comox Valley Record

Less than a week after a sudden announcement to emergency room staff, Vancouver General Hospital has already begun dismantling a much-needed Domestic Violence Program that has been serving the community for 18 years. The outpatient Domestic Violence Program serves 20-25 clients per week, providing counselling for patients experiencing violent relationships. The program also provides support, education and referrals for child...

Comox Valley Echo