Healthcare

The Nanaimo Regional Hospital District (NRHD) has confirmed its five major areas of focus for capital planning and advocacy are the patient tower replacement, new cancer centre, cardiac catheterization lab and a new high acuity unit, all to be located at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), as well as a long-term care facility in the region.

Residents can complete a short online survey to help council better understand where people would like to see funds spent.

2,150 patients have registered at the clinic as of Jan. 21, according to the Ministry of Health.

Clinical trials of burosumab in patients under the age of 18 showed reduced deformities in lower extremities, as well as significant improvements in stiffness and the severity of rickets.

The holiday season is here and Island Health is reminding people to take steps to keep healthy, stay injury-free and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.

Island Health said it will begin an international search for a new chief medical health officer.

The province said the treatment will be covered through the B.C. Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases (EDRD) process and is expected to benefit about 400 British Columbians.

The BC Emergency Health Services board of directors will now focus solely on ambulance services, at the direction of Health Minster Adrian Dix.

The health region said it continues to see increased patient volumes due to the record-breaking heat wave as Canada Day approaches — typically one of the busiest days for emergency room visits.

There are 15 active #COVID19 cases in the central Vancouver Island region.