Island Health's Medical Health Officers oversee a wide variety of initiatives designed to promote and protect public health.
Public health is the organized effort of society to protect and improve the population's health and well being through the following:
- Health promotion
- Reducing inequalities in health status
- Prevention of disease, injury, disability, and premature death
- Protection from environmental and other hazards to health
Contact your local Medical Health Officer
Chief Medical Health Officer
Sooke region, West Shore, Saanich Peninsula, Southern Gulf Island and Urban Greater Victoria
Dr. Dee Hoyano
1837 Fort Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8R 1J6
250-519-3406
Dr. Michael Benusic
1837 Fort Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8R 1J6
250-519-3406
Cowichan Valley Region
Mill Bay to Yellow Point, Thetis & Valdes Island
Dr. Shannon Waters
4th Floor, 238 Government St
Duncan, B.C.
V9L 1A5
250-737-2020
Nanaimo, Oceanside, Alberni-Clayoquot
Dr. Sandra Allison
3rd Floor, 6475 Metral Dr
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9T 2L9
250-739-6304
Comox Valley, Strathcona, North Island
Dr. Charmaine Enns
355 - 11th St
Courtenay, B.C.
V9N 1S4
250-331-8591
For Public Health emergencies after hours, on weekends or on statutory holidays, that require immediate physician attention, call the Medical Health Officer on call at 1-800-204-6166.
As part of BC’s commitment to public health care renewal and improvement, the Ministry of Health has produced the Core Public Health Functions Framework.
The framework defines core public health services that BC’s health authorities will provide to strengthen the link between public health, primary care, and chronic disease management.
Report an issue
Island Health monitors facilities and systems related to public health.
Learn how to submit a complaint or report an issue:
- Child care facilities
- Long term care facilities – through the Community Health Office
- Tobacco & vapour retail enforcement, smoke-free spaces
Contact your local environmental health officer for complaints and inquiries related to:
- Communicable disease
- Drinking water
- Food safety
- Personal service inspections (tattoos, tanning, and piercings)
- Sewerage systems
- Recreational water (beaches, pools)
Latest Topics
- Public Health Rounds December 2019: Integrating Health Equity Into Healthcare Systems & Practice