Health Minister Terry Lake sent the following letter to Scott Hamilton, MLA, chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services:

Upgrades are in the works for the emergency department at the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre, benefiting patients and health professionals.

June 19 marks 100 days until the opening of the new Interior Heart and Surgical Centre, highlighted with the unveiling of a countdown clock at Kelowna General Hospital.

As part of the Province's efforts to reduce elder abuse, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Darryl Plecas announced $2.6 million in funding to the BC Association of Community Response Networks.

Patients in Vancouver facing life-threatening illnesses can lean on Friends for Life. The government is supporting the organization with $150,000.

The Province is providing $50,000 to the District of Clearwater to explore care options for seniors in the community.

In conjunction with Seniors' Week in B.C., Health Minister Terry Lake announced another $4 million in funding to United Way of the Lower Mainland for the continued operation of the Better at Home program.

Helping seniors remain safe, active and independent is garnering honours for 11 communities around British Columbia, Health Minister Terry Lake announced.