Northern Health is working closely with the Ministry of Health and listening to community leaders on Haida Gwaii, to improve and stabilize health care staffing and patient access to services in Masset, Old Massett and surrounding communities.
Cathy Ulrich, President and CEO informed the Northern Health Board of Directors that she is planning to step down into retirement over the course of this year. The Board will begin the process of searching for a new President and CEO at the February 12/13 Board meeting.
Cathy has committed to the Board that she will remain in the role until such time as the Board has successfully recruited to the position. She has also committed to support a transition process once the new President and CEO has been selected and begun in the role.
In response to the toxic drug emergency, a new text health alert system has been launched across Northern Health.
The system uses text messaging to send alerts as a public health measure to prevent drug poisonings and deaths and provides timely information and up-to-date resources to people who use drugs and community members.
There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Terrace. The reported substance is known as “down” in a variety of colours. The reported substance tested positive for both benzos and fentanyl and is causing overdose and heavy prolonged sedation.
There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Fort St. John. Reported overdoses have been associated with a blue/green crystal substance that is circulating and sold as Meth. Overdoses are occurring when the substance is smoked.
There has been an increase in sudden overdose events in the community of Prince George. The substances consumed are causing prolonged sedation, requiring multiple doses of naloxone to reverse. Overdoses are occurring when substances are smoked or injected.
The Government of British Columbia and Northern Health are moving to the next step in the procurement process for replacement of the Dawson Creek and District Hospital.
The design of the new state-of-the-art hospital is approximately 60% complete and continuing to advance; however, Northern Health was unable to reach an agreement with the previously selected builder. As a result, a request for proposals will be issued in mid-January 2023 to select a proponent to complete and deliver the project.
