News
Healthcare volunteer program for youth now available in Alert Bay and Port McNeill
Island Health is now running its Step Up Youth program in two new communities through a partnership with the ‘Namgis First Nation to offer volunteer opportunities in healthcare to youth in rural areas.
Temporary service interruption at Port Hardy Hospital
Temporary service interruption at Port Hardy Hospital Emergency Department
Temporary adjustment to outpatient laboratory services in downtown Courtenay
The downtown Courtenay outpatient lab will be closed from August 5 to August 8, 2025. Normal hours at the downtown lab are expected to resume as scheduled on August 11.
Possible exposure to free-roaming kitten with rabies in rural area of Chemainus
Island Health is informing the public that a free-roaming kitten in a rural area of Chemainus recently tested positive for rabies. The likelihood that people not already identified came into contact with this animal is very low, but out of an abundance of caution we are notifying the community.
The cutting edge of medical imaging: how artificial intelligence improves MRIs
Patients across the Island Health region are benefiting from quicker, higher-quality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans powered by artificial intelligence (AI) software following successful pilot projects in Nanaimo.
“An amazing program”: reusable gowns initiative launches at Island Health
A reusable gowns program at Island Health is helping protect staff and patients while supporting sustainable, cost-effective practices.
Vibes high, risks low: Your guide to a safe summer festival season
Summer is here, ushering in the unofficial festival season. Island Health has tips for festival fun to help keep the vibes high and risks low.
Estimated Island Health emergency department wait times available online
People in need of health-care services now have more information at their fingertips thanks to a new webpage featuring estimated emergency department wait times and detailed patient resources.
Making a difference: Mill Bay teen wins 2025 Youth Harm Reduction Award
Island Health has recognized Kalla Shields for her efforts to promote harm reduction awareness and training at Frances Kelsey Secondary School in Mill Bay.