From the opening the newest hospital on Haida Gwaii, to preparing for construction of a new Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, 2016 strengthened health care for families around the province and 2017 is expected to continue to do so.

Darryl Plecas, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health, issued the following statement in support of seniors during the holiday season:

Comfort can come in many different forms and for many patients, a visit from a furry friend can really brighten their day.

On the surface, Tianna Richards has it all—a growing career as a doula, beginning her education in the midwifery program at the University of British Columbia, a great social life and community roots.

Health Minister Terry Lake and Minister of Public Safety Mike Morris have issued the following statement on the overdose crisis:

The Province is proposing to establish a new college of diagnostic and therapeutic health professions to enhance patient safety and quality of care in British Columbia.

Health Minister Terry Lake was joined by community leaders, residents and Northern Health physicians and staff for the grand opening of the new Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre - Xaayda Gwaay Ngaaysdll Naay.

Provincial patient safety and quality officer Dr. Doug Cochrane has completed his review of the early functioning of IHealth, the electronic health record system implemented in three Nanaimo-area health facilities in March.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, Canada’s Minister of Health, and Terry Lake, British Columbia’s Minister of Health announced a major investment in research that will strive to improve patient care for those living in British Columbia.

The Province is seeking feedback on a proposed new approach to regulate health-care assistants, which would see a new registry model established under a newly formed single provincial nursing college.