Archived Minister Abbott Photo Gallery

Health Services Minister George Abbott recognized the men and women who are contributing to the construction of the new patient care centre at Royal Jubilee Hospital with scrolls of appreciation. The recognition accompanied the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Royal Jubilee Hospital and the unveiling of a cornerstone plaque for the future hospital.
[News release] [Backgrounder]

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On April 9, 2009, Minister Abbott unveiled a commemorative plaque which will be placed on the cornerstone of the new patient care centre at Royal Jubilee Hospital. The new hospital will expand bed capacity by close to 25 per cent, provide more comfort and privacy for patients, and be a world-class, energy-efficient facility designed as a Centre for Excellence in elder care.

Pictured left to right: Graham Hill, Chair, Capital Regional Hospital District; Jac Kreut, Board Chair, VIHA; George Abbott, Minister of Health Services; Ida Chong, MLA, Oak Bay-Gordon Head; Gerry Green, Project Chairman, ISL Health; Sharon Higgins, President, RJH Nursing Alumnae; Murray Coell, MLA, Saanich North and the Islands.

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March 26, 2009, was Purple Day, a global day for promoting epilepsy awareness. Health Services Minister George Abbott met a number of representatives who have a passion and belief in promoting epilepsy awareness, including Lisa Anthony and her seizure-responsible dog India.

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Health Services Minister George Abbott with a number of representatives who have a passion and belief in promoting epilepsy awareness on Purple Day, which is a global day for promoting epilepsy awareness.

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On March 2, Health Services Minister George Abbott announced that patients visiting emergency departments in the busiest hospitals in the Lower Mainland will benefit from shorter waits through $20 million in program funding aimed at providing financial incentives for delivering more timely care.

From left to right: Dr. Eric Grafstein, emergency physician with VCH, Minister Abbott, Dr. Neil Barclay, emergency physician with Fraser Health and Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney.

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On February 11, 2009, Health Services Minister George Abbott had his blood glucose level tested as part of an event organized by the Canadian Diabetes Association to raise awareness of diabetes and the associated risks.

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On Feb. 9, 2009, Health Services Minister George Abbott announced a new and innovative nocturnal dialysis pilot project at Vancouver General Hospital that will benefit kidney disease patients who cannot dialyze at home.

From left to right: Dr. Paul Keown, Division Head, Department of Medicine-Nephrology, Dean Chittock, Senior Medical Director, Vancouver General Hospital, Jared Provost, pilot patient, Anne Sutherland Boal, Chief Operating Officer, Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Mike Copland, Provincial Medical Director, Independent Hemodialysis Program, BC Renal Agency and Medical Lead Independent Hemodialysis at Vancouver Coastal Health and Minister Abbott.

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On Jan. 30, 2009, Minister Abbott participated in the official opening of a new community medical detox unit at the Eric Martin Pavilion. The event also marked an increase in the total number of beds available for medical detox and stabilization for adults in the Greater Victoria area.

From left to right: Dr. Laurence Bosley, Clinical Director for South Island Adult Addictions Services for the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), Gordon Harper of the Umbrella Society, Ida Chong, MLA Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Jac Kreut, Chair of the Board of Directors for VIHA, Rob Cooke, Victoria Hospitals Foundation, Minister Abbott and Mayor Dean Fortin, City of Victoria.

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Patients who need X-rays will receive better care and service with new, modern X-ray equipment that was unveiled on January 23, 2009 at Pleasant Valley Health Centre by Health Services Minister George Abbott.

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On January 22, 2009, Health Services Minister George Abbott launched a three-year, $3.8-million pilot colorectal cancer screening program to test the effectiveness of a new screening test in the early detection of colorectal cancer. [News release]

From left to right: Brian Schmidt, Interim President, BC Cancer Agency; Bonnie Jenic, patient, cancer survivor;  Minister George Abbott;  MLA Bill Barisoff, Penticton-Okanagan Valley; Dr. Andy Coldman, Vice President Oncology, BC Cancer Agency.

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On Jan. 22, 2009, Minister Abbott participated in a ribbon-cutting at The Crossing at Keremeos which will be B.C.'s first long-term residential treatment centre for youth challenged by drug and alcohol addictions. The event was held to mark the completion of one of the centre's key residential buildings.

From left to right:  Peter Vamos, Portage Program for Drug Dependencies; Ida Goodreau, Vancouver Coastal Health; Minister George Abbott; Peter Spencer, Central City Foundation; Susie and Rob Ruttan, From Grief to Action; Charlene Cowling, Keremeos Village Council.

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On December 2, 2008, Minister Abbott joined with patients, doctors and health care system representatives to mark the 20th anniversary of the heart transplant program in British Columbia. Through continued innovation, and collaboration, over 325 life-saving heart transplants have been performed in British Columbia since 1988.

Pictured: George Abbott, Minister of Health Services and Anthony Beeftink, one of the first patients to receive a heart transplant in B.C. in 1988. [News release]

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From left to right: Dr. Bruce McManus, Director, Providence Heart and Lung Institute; George Abbott, Minister of Health Services; Anthony Beeftink, heart transplant recipient; Dr. Andy Ignaszewski Head, Division of Cardiology, Providence Heart and Lung Institute; Bill Barrable, Provincial Executive Director, BC Transplant.

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On December 2, 2008, Minister Abbott helped launch Vancouver Coastal Health's annual Sox in the City campaign. The campaign aims to meet the basic foot-care needs of Vancouver's homeless population. Red Sox Boxes are located around the city until January 31, 2009. [News release]

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Health Services Minister George Abbott, Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak and Burnaby North MLA Richard Lee receive a demonstration of the new 8-1-1 HealthLink BC service, which was launched in Burnaby on November 21, 2008.

8-1-1 allows British Columbians to simply dial 8-1-1 to get 24/7 health information and medical advice. The HealthLink BC service includes a new health system navigation service that is accessible via telephone or the Internet. The navigation system assists the public and health professionals in finding and accessing appropriate health resources in, or close, to their home communities. [News release]

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Minister Abbott is joined by Minister Polak, Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney, Burnaby-North MLA Richard Lee, and 8-1-1 staff during the launch of the HealthLink BC service.

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From left to right: Vern Slaney, board member, VIHA; Joe Stanhope, Chair, Regional District of Nanaimo; Ian Thompson, Chair, Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation; George Abbott, Minister of Health Services; Ron Cantelon, MLA, Nanaimo-Parksville; Dr. Robin Love, palliative care physician, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

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On November 6, 2008, Minister Abbott officially opened the newly renovated Geriatric Outpatient Clinic at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Funded through the B.C. government's Health Innovation Fund, the $1.3-million, 7,000-square-foot clinic provides seniors with additional care options, allowing them to live healthier, more independent lives. [News Release]

From left to right: Dr. Marilyn Bater, medical director of seniors' health & department head of geriatrics, VIHA; Murray Coell, MLA, Saanich North and the Islands; George Abbott, Minister of Health Services; Mr. Angus Morton, senior, Victoria; Ida Chong, MLA, Oak Bay-Gordon Head; Jac Kreut, Board Chair, VIHA.

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On October 25, 2008, Health Services Minister George Abbott joined hospital staff, community leaders and residents of northern Haida Gwaii to celebrate the grand opening of the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre. The new $10.99-million centre replaces the older Masset Hospital and will ensure that residents of northern Haida Gwaii receive quality health-care services. [News Release]

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To celebrate the addition of six new residential care beds at the Houston Health Centre, Health Services Minister George Abbott (centre) was joined by (left to right) Cormac Hikisch, Northern Health Service Administrator, Gordon Milnem, Northern Health Board member, Sharon Smith, Houston Mayor and Jody Holmes, Northern Region Superintendent of BC Ambulance Service.

Northern Health and the Government of British Columbia are partners in the development of the new beds, which will serve Houston seniors who can no longer live independently, and need round-the-clock nursing care.

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Health Services Minister George Abbott speaks at the October 24 announcement to celebrate the addition of six new residential care beds at the Houston Health Centre. [News release]

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On October 21, 2008, Minister George Abbott announced the launch of a new patient care review process. The process enables patients to register complaints about the quality of their public health care experience. This clear, consistent, timely and transparent process will help us to continually improve our health-care system. [News Release]

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On Oct. 3, 2008, Health Services Minister George Abbott announced $2 million in provincial funding for the Hematology Clinical Trials Unit of British Columbia that is giving patients with blood diseases access to new, breakthrough treatments that would otherwise be unavailable. From left to right: Anne Sutherland Boal, Chief Operating Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health; Sindi Hawkins, Kelowna-Mission MLA; Dr. Clayton A. Smith, Director, Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, VGH; Dr. Michael Barnett, Head, VGH and UBC Divisions of Hematology; George Abbott, Minister of Health Services; Natalie Meixner, Senior Vice President, Fundraising and Marketing, VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. [News release]

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Health Services Minister George Abbott and Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney were joined by Fraser Health CEO Nigel Murray and staff from Burnaby Hospital on Sept. 29 to announce a multi-pronged strategy to increase capacity and improve services at several hospitals and health-care facilities in British Columbia's fastest-growing health authority. [News release]

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On September 22, Minister Abbott celebrated the completion of Simpson Manor in Fort Langley. The 96-bed residential complex care facility is part of the government's commitment to provide 5,000 net-new beds and units by the end of 2008. To date, 11,314 new and replacement beds and units have been built, including 5,322 net-new beds/units.
[News release] [Multimedia]

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On September 15, Minister Abbott officially opened Hardy View Lodge. The new $13 million Interior Health facility offers seniors a spacious, elder-friendly environment they can call home. Hardy View Lodge provides the seniors in Grand Forks with 80 residential care beds. [News release]

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On July 30, Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister George Abbott marked the start of construction of a new $350-million, 500-bed Royal Jubilee Hospital. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2010, the new energy-efficient facility will expand bed capacity and provide more comfort and privacy for patients. Over 80 per cent of the rooms will be single-bed patient rooms with large windows that maximize natural light. [News release] [Backgrounder]

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The official groundbreaking of the new Royal Jubilee Hospital. From left to right: Murray Coell, MLA, Saanich North and the Islands; Ida Chong, MLA, Oak Bay Gordon Head; George Abbott, Minister of Health Services; Gordon Campbell, Premier; Gerry Green, Project Chairman, ISL Health; Howard Waldner, President and CEO, VIHA; Jac Kreut, Board Chair, VIHA; Dr.Marilyn Bater, Geriatrician, VIHA.

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On July 17, Health Services Minister George Abbott introduced the new 64-Slice CT Scanner at Vernon Jubilee Hospital that will provide faster, more detailed scans for patients.

Minister Abbott (centre) and Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen talk with Dr. Glenn Scheske, radiologist, diagnostic imaging at Vernon Jubilee Hospital during the event. [News release]

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On July 11, Health Services Minister George Abbott (centre) and Delta South MLA Valerie Roddick were joined by Stephen Millen of Delta Hospital Foundation (left) and Dr. Nigel Murray, CEO of Fraser Health to announce an estimated $10 million invested by the government that will provide additional acute care capacity at Delta Hospital. Funding will help meet the demands of a growing population in Delta, neighbouring communities and Fraser Health as a whole. [Read more]

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On June 24, 2008, Health Services Minister George Abbott and Vancouver Coastal Health's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Patricia Daly, announced that VCH is the first health authority in the province to implement new provincial regulations aimed at making healthier food choices more available in vending machines. The goal is to replace traditional high-fat, sugar and salt products with alternatives low in fat, sugar, and salt, and high in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and nutritional value.
[News release]

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On June 24, Health Services Minister George Abbott congratulated 12 international medical graduates at UBC who will now begin practising family medicine throughout the province. The International Medical Graduate program is funded by the Province to enable medical doctors who have trained in medical schools outside of Canada and the United States to obtain residency positions that lead to being licensed to practice in British Columbia.

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On June 23, 2008, Health Services Minister George Abbott and Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave Hayer joined seniors, health professionals and Fraser Health staff for the official opening of Laurel Place residential care facility, which will provide seniors in the Surrey area with around-the-clock care. The opening of the facility marked 4,500 net-new beds and units open across the province. [News release] [Backgrounder 1] [Backgrounder 2]

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On June 6, 2008, Health Minister George Abbott presented the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region with a cheque for $250,000, which brings the Province’s support for breast cancer awareness to nearly $5 million since 2005. Women in 24 British Columbia communities and 42 neighbouring First Nations communities will receive important information about breast health, breast cancer and the value of screening mammograms through the 2008 TELUS Tour for the Cure. [News release] [Backgrounder]

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On June 5, 2008, Minister Abbott participated in the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Big Bike ride to raise money for heart and stroke life-saving research. Abbott was joined by Ministry of Health staff and members of the Heart and Stroke Foundation for the ride.

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On May 29, 2008 Health Minister George Abbott (right) and Stephen McKernan, Director-General of Health from New Zealand signed an international agreement between the British Columbia Ministry of Health and the New Zealand Ministry of Health to further encourage the sharing of information and innovations in health service to maximize the health of British Columbians and New Zealanders. [News release] [Health Arrangement]

Minister Abbott and Stephen McKernan, Director-General of Health from New Zealand sign the international agreement between the British Columbia Ministry of Health and the New Zealand Ministry of Health.

Rod Edwards of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada leads a Tai Chi session on the Legislature front lawns on May 12, 2008 as part of Hypertension Awareness Week. Behind Edwards is Health Minister George Abbott, Minister of State for ActNow BC Gordon Hogg and Bobbe Wood, president and CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon.

Regular recreational activities such as Tai Chi can help British Columbians reduce stress levels, which can cause hypertension, a condition more commonly known as persistent high blood pressure. [News release]

Health Minister George Abbott, Minister of State for ActNow BC Gordon Hogg and Bobbe Wood, president and CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon join participants after a Tai Chi demonstration on the Legislature lawns to promote stress-free lifestyles during Hypertension Awareness Week.

On May 8, 2008, Minister Abbott spoke at the annual MLA breakfast hosted by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

(From left to right) Greg D'Avignon, Chair, Board of Directors Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for BC/Yukon, Clare Barry, a breast cancer survivor and Minister Abbott.

On April 25, 2008, Minister Abbott spoke at the opening of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Conference in Vancouver. The conference was organized by the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance and was designed to bring Canadian breast cancer researchers together to share ideas, encourage networking and highlight new research results from across Canada.

In the photo from left to right: Ms. Jan Engemoen, CEO Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region Mr. Greg D'Avignon, Board Chair, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Health Minister George Abbott, BC/Yukon Region Dr. Ivo Olivotto, Chair of CBCRA’s Research Advisory Committee Ms. Linda Venus, Co-Chair of CBCRA’s Research Advisory Committee Mr. Leslie Cox, Chair of the Board of Directors, Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance Ms. Nicky Lewis, Executive Director, Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance.

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April 11, 2008 – Health Minister George Abbott spoke at an event to mark 100 years of health care at Kelowna General Hospital. Abbott was joined by patients, health professionals and members of the community to celebrate the hospital's years of service.

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Health Minister George Abbott and Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen play a clapping game with children during the release of the new edition of Toddler's First Steps on April 7, 2008. The handbook is an informative reference guide that provides parents and caregivers of children between the ages of six months and three years of age with the most up-to-date parenting tips and child health and wellness information.
[News release] [Video]

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On March 26, Health Minister George Abbott (centre) was joined by Dave S. Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, Dr. Nigel Murray, president and CEO of Fraser Health, Kirk Fisher of the Lark Group and Marg Fraser, director of residential care at CareLife Fleetwood for a special tree planting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the CareLife Fleetwood residential care facility in Surrey.
[News release] [Backgrounder]

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On March 25, Health Minister George Abbott was joined by Tung Chan, CEO of SUCCESS, Dr. Eric Yoshida of UBC and Richard Lee, Burnaby North MLA to announce expanded drug coverage for patients with hepatitis B. [News release]

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Minister George Abbott announced a $2-million grant to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund Building. This funding will be directed towards research and public education.

The new facility will be the first of its kind in North America and will include a research laboratory for clinical trials in burn and wound healing. [News release]

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The Burn Fund began in 1978 and is the charitable arm of the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association. The organization intends to fundraise a significant portion of the capital costs for this project.

The Burn Fund Building will also provide accommodation for family members facing prolonged stays in Vancouver during loved ones' acute and reconstructive phases of care. The Province awarded a separate $2-million grant to the same fund in November, 2007 for eight housing units to accommodate burn survivors and their families.

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The Province will provide $1.4 million to kickstart the first three-year accelerated nursing degree program in the province at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

The bachelor of science in nursing degree will have the same quality expectations for outcomes and competencies by using the full calendar year.

Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Fiona Etches, second year nursing student; Kathy Kinloch, Dean of Health Sciences, BCIT; Debra McPherson, B.C. Nurses Union.

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Health Minister George Abbott addresses media at the Victoria Compounding Pharmacy on March 4, 2008 during national pharmacist awareness week from March 3-9, 2008.

Thousands of pounds of medications are thrown out every year in British Columbia. Through the Medications Return Program, unused or expired medicines can be returned to a community pharmacy for disposal.

Pictured left to right: Denise Blackwell, chair, Capital Regional District; Marnie Mitchell, CEO, BC Pharmacy Association; George Abbott, Minister of Health; John Forster-Coull, owner, Victoria Compounding Pharmacy.

[News release] [Watch the video]

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Health Minister George Abbott demonstrates the safe method performed by pharmacy staff to dispose of unused or expired medications at the Victoria Compounding Pharmacy on March 4, 2008.

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Falls are the most common cause of injury among B.C. seniors. Each year, one in three B.C. seniors experience at least one fall. Injuries from falls account for 85 per cent of all injuries to seniors and, in 2005, cost the province $151 million annually in health costs.

Opening a clinic to address falls among seniors at risk will help seniors stay healthier longer. The new clinic will be based at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver and accept its first clients March 12.

Pictured from left to right: Tonia Timperley, trainee, Centre for Hip Health and Musculoskeletal Research; Dawn Daechsel, manager, Rehabilitation Services, Lions Gate Hospital; Katherine Whittred, MLA; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Cheryl Leia, project manager, Seniors Falls and Injury Prevention Network, VCH; Dr. Scott Comeau, geriatrician, West Community Health Centre.

[News release] [Read more]

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Minister Abbott has his reaction time tested as part of a 30-minute evaluation of falls risk. The Fall Screen system measures balance, vision, strength, postion sense and reaction time.

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Minister Abbott has his balance tested as part of the 30-minute Fall Screen system evaluation. The evaluation is only available in a few centres in B.C.

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The Early Successes in Advancing Best Practices Forum showcased current Health Innovation Fund projects and provided opportunites to discuss the role of innovation in the future of B.C.'s health system.

The $100-million Health Innovation Fund was created to provide health authorities with funding for projects which focus on new and innovative ways to improve patient care.

[News release] [Backgrounder] [Interior Health Video]
[Fraser Health Video] [Vancouver Island Health Video]

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Homeless people who suffer from mental illness or addictions issues will benefit from a new, multi-agency Downtown Outreach Team in Victoria to help connect them with services including stable housing, addictions services, and vocational supports. Minister George Abbott (3rd from right) joins from left to right: Kim Taylor, Victoria Police Department, Karen Bahrey, Grace Fox and Shelley Thompson from VIHA, Alison Hanson from the Ministry of Solicitor General and Brett Stewart from the Victoria Police Department.

Planning for the outreach team started as a joint project between the B.C. ministries of Employment and Income Assistance, and Public Safety and Solicitor General, and the Victoria Police Department (VPD) to address common clients in an integrated way. Following the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness last fall, this team received additional support with staffing and resources from the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and Our Place Society.

[News release] [Backgrounder]

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On December 14, 2007, the Province gave the green light for a new $18.8-million state-of-the-art emergency department at Victoria General Hospital, to benefit the growing population of south Vancouver Island. Pictured is Health Minister George Abbott with MLA for Saanich North and the Island and Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell (left) and Dr. Stephen Wheeler, director of emergency services and trauma for VIHA, who participated in an trauma demonstration at Victoria General Hospital. “A new, modern emergency department for Victoria General Hospital will triple the size of the current facility and will provide state-of-the-art emergency, trauma and pediatric care to patients on Vancouver Island,” said Abbott.

[News release] [Backgrounder]

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On November 30, Minister Abbott released a summary of the input received from thousands of British Columbians during the year-long Conversation on Health. "Our government will now examine these ideas and bring forward actions beginning next spring to improve our public health-care system now and to ensure that it is there for our children and grandchildren in the future," said Abbott.

Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Mary Polak, Parliamentary Secretary for the Conversation on Health. [News release] [Backgrounder]

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Secondary school students join Health Minister George Abbott and Education Minister Shirley Bond in a demonstration of the life-saving skill of CPR during CPR Awareness Month at the Legislature on November 22.

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On November 2, Minister Abbott launched Vancouver Coastal Health's annual influenza vaccination campaign. "Statistics tell us that only about half of people with chronic health conditions take the time to get vaccinated against influenza, well short of our target of 80 per cent," said Abbott. [News release]

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On November 2, Minister Abbott announced a new policy which covers the costs for alternative hip implants for eligible British Columbians. "This policy ensures that patients in B.C. will receive the implant that is medically required for them," said Abbott.

Pictured: Dr. Ken Hughes, Chair of the Provincial Muskuloskeletal Council, shows Minister Abbott how an alternative hip implant works. [News release]

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On October 29, Minister Abbott announced $30 million in funding for a new cross-Canada Terry Fox Research Institute. The money will support the institute's headquarters in Vancouver's BC Cancer Agency building. "The Terry Fox Foundation and the BC Cancer Agency are recognized internationally for excellence and we are pleased to help to carry on Terry Fox's legacy," said Abbott. The new institute will be team-based, milestone-driven and with potential to impact the health outcomes of cancer patients within three to five years.

Pictured onscreen: Dr. Victor Ling, Scientific Director, Terry Fox Research Institute; Darrell Fox, National Director, Terry Fox Foundation. Pictured below screen, left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Fred Fox, brother of Terry Fox; Gordon Eaton, volunteer, Terry Fox Foundation. [News Release] [Backgrounder]

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Minister Abbott tours the BC Cancer Agency research labs.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, President, BC Cancer Agency; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Dr. Samuel Aparicio, Senior Scientist, Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency.

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On October 19, Minister Abbott announced a $6.7-million renovation project to the maternity and neonatal intensive care units at Richmond Hospital. "The planned improvements to the labour, delivery and recovery spaces at Richmond Hospital reflect best practices and will support physicians and nurses in providing quality care," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Olga Ilich, Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services; John Yap, Richmond-Steveston MLA; Dr. Jeff Coleman, Chief Operating Officer, Richmond Health Services, VCH. [News Release] [Backgrounder]

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On October 13, Minister Abbott welcomed a team of British Columbia's Advanced Life Support Paramedics home after they won the silver medal at the Asia Pacific International Conference in Australia. ""Their hard work and dedication demonstrate not only their commitment to representing B.C.'s paramedics, but ultimately the high standard of patient care given by paramedics across British Columbia,"" said Abbott. Pictured left to right: Michael Sanderson, Executive Director, Lower Mainland BCAS; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Gord McEachen, Operations Director, Lower Mainland BCAS. [News release]

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On October 9, Minister Abbott announced acupuncture treatments will be included as a supplementary benefit for Medical Services Plan premium assistance recipients by April 2008 – a first in Canada. "We are making it easier for patients to access a treatment option that they might otherwise be unable to afford," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: Dr. Harvey Hu, president, B.C. Qualified Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Dr. Kenneth Fung, assistant professor, Faculty of Medicine, UBC and Health Chair on Premier's Chinese Community Advisory Committee. [News release]

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On October 9, Minister Abbott officially opened an emergency fast track unit at St.Paul's Hospital. "The redesigned, innovative fast track unit allows patients with less serious needs to be seen, assessed, and treated faster and released in a timely manner," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: Dianne Doyle, President and CEO, Providence Health Care; Kip Woodward, Board Chair, Providence Health Care; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Dr. Lawrence Cheng, Physician Operations Leader, St.Paul's Hospital; Raj Vannadil, Pastoral Care, St.Paul's Hospital. [News release]

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On September 28, Minister Abbott accepted a report from Child Health BC at the conclusion of the one-year public input into the Conversation on Health. "As we wrap up the year-long Conversation on Health, it is appropriate that our young people get the final say as the underlying message has been about ensuring a public heatlh system that is there for our children and granchildren," said Abbott. Picture left to right: Sue Carruthers, President & CEO, BC Children's Hospital Foundation; Dr. Bob Peterson, Director, Child Health BC; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Sharon Toohey, President, BC Children's Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children; Robin Buller, Grade 11 student; Mary Polak, Parliamentary Secretary, Conversation on Health. [News release]

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British Columbian children aged 10 to 16 years old identified exercise, diet and sleep as the top three contributors to good health. Nine out of 10 children identified smoking and taking drugs as contributors to poor health while 43 per cent of children and youth felt that the primary responsibility for good health was their own. Pictured left to right: Robin Buller, Grade 11 student; George Abbott, Minister of Health.

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On September 6, Minister Abbott announced the development of a long-term residential addictions treatment centre for youth. "Research shows that the longer a young person stays in treatment, the greater the likelihood they will remain drug and alcohol free when they return to the community," said Abbott.

Pictured from left to right: Rob and Susie Ruttan, From Grief to Action; Lauren Gill, Portage Program graduate; Ida Goodreau, President and CEO, VCH; Christine Meyer, Portage Program graduate; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Betty Ann Busse, Acting President and CEO, Fraser Health. [News release]

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On September 6, Minister Abbott officially opened the new perinatal/neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. "In addition to being more sensitive to the needs of the new family, this new unit includes four additional NICU beds for newborn infants, which will assist in reducing the number of transfers of moms and babies off Vancouver Island," said Abbott.

Picture left to right: Dr. William Arruda, Paediatrician and Medical Director of Child and Youth Family Health, VIHA; Joe Stanhope, Chair, Nanaimo Regional Hospital District; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Ron Cantelon, MLA, Nanaimo-Parksville.

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The new unit was supported by generous donations to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation. The list of donors will be permanently mounted at the entrance to the new maternity unit.

Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Jac Kreut, Board Chair, VIHA; Dr. Wilma Arruda, Paediatrician and Medical Director of Child and Youth Family Health, VIHA.

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On August 2, Minister Abbott announced the allocation of the $100-million Health Innovation Fund to B.C.'s six health authorities. "Health professionals and administrators across the province have responded to the Health Innovation Fund with exciting pilot project proposals to improve and share best practices, restructure delivery systems and eliminate key information bottlenecks that slow patient care," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health and Dr. Grant Innes, Regional Medical Director, Emergency Services, Vancouver Coastal Health.

[News Release] [Health Innovation Fund Breakdown] [Breakdown by Health Authority]

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On July 16, Minister Abbott celebrated the completion of extensive renovations to the Emergency Department at Vancouver General Hospital. "The emergency department improvements unveiled today and Canada's first-ever dual source scanner will assist care providers in better diagnosing critically ill and trauma patients who come to Vancouver General Hospital from all over the province," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Dr. Savvas Nicolaou, Head of Radiology, Trauma and Emergency Department, VGH; Gordon Diamond, donor.

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A major addition to the Emergency Department and trauma unit at VGH is a new donor-funded dual source CT (computed tomography) scanner. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation spearheaded the fundraising for the new $2.6-million CT scanner with gifts from Gordon and Leslie Diamond and donors to the Foundation’s ‘in it for life’ Fund. Pictured left to right: Ron Dumouchelle, President and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Barbara Brink; Gordon Diamond.

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On July 13, Minister Abbott took part in the official groundbreaking of a new health centre in Lytton. "The site work for the new health centre has begun, and residents of the Lytton area and surrounding Aboriginal communities can look forward to a new health centre opening its doors next summer," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: Amy Charlie, Elder; Harry Lali, MLA Yale-Lillooet; Byron Spinks, Chief, Lytton First Nation; John O'Fee, Chair, Thompson Regional Hospital District; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Andrew Neuner, Chief Operating Officer, Interior Health; Chris O'Connor, Mayor, Lytton; Jennifer Thur, Manager of Health Services, Interior Health. [News release]

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Mayor Chris O'Connor and Minister George Abbott unveil the sign at the site of the future health centre in Lytton. The Province will provide $6.3 million toward the projected cost of $8.1 million for the new health centre, with the remainder from the Thompson Regional Hospital District. Pictured on the left: Harry Lali, MLA Yale-Lillooet; Andrew Neuner, Chief Operating Officer, Interior Health. Pictured on the right: Byron Spinks, Chief, Lytton First Nation.

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On July 7, Minister George Abbott welcomed participants to the last public forum in Vancouver. "While this is the last public forum for the Conversation, there is still time to have your say on the future of health care in our province," said Abbott. "British Columbians can continue to send in their ideas and innovations until the deadline on Sept. 30, 2007." [How to Participate] [News release]

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On June 25, Minister Abbott announced the development of a new radiopharmaceutical laboratory at the BC Cancer Agency. "This new facility means that the Province will be set up to independently produce a stable, safe and secure source of radioisotopes used to perform PET/CT scans as well as allow for future expansion of PET/CT scans to other regions of the province," said Abbott. Radioisotopes are used to provide accurate pre-treatment detection of cancerous tumours. [News release]

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PET/CT scans allow physicians to more accurately diagnose and identify cancer. The new radiopharmaceutical laboratory will also be home to a cyclotron, a machine that produces isotopes, allowing researchers to explore the basic biology of cancer. The cyclotron will help the BC Cancer Agency translate research discoveries into clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

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On June 20, Minister Abbott toured the site of the new Abbotsford Regional Hosptial and Cancer Centre. The hospital, scheduled to open on time and on budget in summer 2008, will benefit from $30 million in state-of-the-art medical technology and systems, announced by the Minister. Included is a new MRI machine, two 64-slice CT scanners and two digital mammography units. [News release]

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During his tour of the new equipment for Abbotsford Regional Hosptial and Cancer Centre, Minister Abbott was asked to try out some of the devices. Here, the Minister is examining the results of a stress test.
[News release]

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On June 18, 2007, Minister Abbott celebrated the official opening of Lynn Valley Care Centre. The facility will provide 14 new assisted living units and 50 replacement residential care beds for seniors.

Pictured are: From left to right: Daniel Jarvis, MLA North Vancouver - Seymour; Mehdi Sherkat, Administrator, North Shore Private Hospital; Pam Ewens, resident; The Honourable George Abbott, Minister of Health; Katherine Whittred, MLA North Vancouver - Lonsdale; Mary Ackenhusan, COO, Vancouver Costal Health; and Dr. and Mrs. Sherkat.
[News release] [Backgrounder]

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On June 5, Minister Abbott officially opened a new intensive care unit at the Royal Columbian Hospital. "All across British Columbia, we are investing in modern, state-of-the-art facilities to deliver safe, high quality patient care today and for the future," said Abbott. The new 9,200-square-foot ICU is more than double the size of the former unit. [News release]

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Minister George Abbott and MLA Dave Hayer are given a tour of the new facilities by Karen Watson, Manager of the ICU. The new ICU features 16 private patient rooms, including two "negative pressure" rooms for enhanced infection control. These private rooms and state-of-the-art equipment will ensure critically ill and injured patients receive the most current standard of care.

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On June 1, 2007, Vicky Bach and Karim Suleman from Fraser Health show Health Minister George Abbott their poster presentation at Innovations in Health Care Best Practices Forum in Vancouver. The one-day forum showcased health professionals from across the province who presented and shared ideas and best health care practice models.

Suleman and Bach's poster focused on SBAR (Situation Background, Assessment and Recommendation), a guideline tool that promotes communication skills among health professionals, as well as safety within health facilities and quality care for patients.
[News release] [Backgrounder]

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On May 23, Minister Abbott joined 100 pink umbrella-wielding breast cancer survivors and supporters on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery to kick start preparations for the 2007 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. "British Columbians have just over four months to get a team together for the annual Run for the Cure and raise funds to help beat breast cancer," said Abbott. Register online at: www.CIBCRunfortheCure.com.

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The run will take place on Sunday, September 30, 2007 in over 50 locations across Canada. Funds raised by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure go towards the advancement of breast cancer research, education, diagnosis and treatment. Register online at: www.CIBCRunfortheCure.com.

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On May 18, British Columbia and Alberta signed four agreements, including Memorandum of Understandings on Radiation Therapy and Joint Procurement for Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals. Pictured left to right: Alberta Minister Dave Hancock, Health and Wellness and Minister George Abbott, Health. [News release] [Backgrounder] [Access to Radiation Therapy MOU] [Proposed Joint Procurement of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices MOU]

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On May 15, Minister of Health George Abbott and Washington State Secretary of Health Mary Selecky opened the Fourth Annual Pacific Northwest Cross Border Public Health Preparedness Workshop. The conference brought together health leaders from across the Pacific Northwest and both U.S. and Canadian federal governments.

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On May 14, Minister Abbott announced a $2-million provincial government grant to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon to enhance the prevention and treatment of strokes. "One in six British Columbians has been treated for high blood pressure, which if not diagnosed and properly managed can lead to strokes and other serious health problems," said Abbott.

Pictured left to right: Arnie Hamilton, former MLA; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Dr. Arun Chockalingam, Secretary General, World Hypertension League; Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for ActNow BC; Bobbe Wood, President and CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon. [News release]

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George Abbott and Gordon Hogg demonstrate their disc golf skills in honour of National Hypertension Awareness Week at the legislature. Pictured left to right: Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for ActNow BC; Matt MacDonald, Island Disc Golf Society; Arnie Hamilton, former MLA; George Abbott, Minister of Health.

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On May 7, Minister Abbott announced a $28-million investment to help increase the number of practising nurses in British Columbia. "With this latest investment, our government has now provided B.C.'s Nursing Strategy with a total of $174 million since 2001 to help educate, retain and recruit the best qualified nurses in British Columbia," said Abbott.

Pictured left to right: Heather Mass, Chief Nursing Officer (retired); George Abbott, Minister of Health; Darlene McGougan, Regional Manager, Aboriginal Health; Manpreet Dhariwal, Student Nurse. [News release] [Backgrounder]

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The B.C. Nursing Strategy was created in 2001 to address the growing demand for more nurses. The B.C. Nursing Strategy helps educate, retain and recruit the best qualified nurses in British Columbia and applies to Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. Pictured left to right: Carol Galte, Nurse Practitioner; Heather Mass, Chief Nursing Officer (retired); Sindi Hawkins, Kelowna-Mission MLA; Darlene McGougan, Regional Manager, Aboriginal Health; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Manpreet Dhariwal, Student Nurse.

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On May 4, Minister Abbott announced major expansion plans for Kelowna General Hospital and Vernon Jubilee Hospital. "The new outpatient hospital and quadrupled emergency department in Kelowna and the new diagnostic and treatment building in Vernon represents the largest single investment in the health system in the Interior," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: Alan Dolman, Interior Health Board Chair; Al Horning, Kelowna-Lake Country MLA; Sindi Hawkins, Kelowna-Mission MLA; George Abbott, Minister of Health. [News release]

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An artist rendering of the new multi-storey outpatient hospital at Kelowna General Hospital. Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Al Horning, Kelowna-Lake Country MLA; Dr. Mike Ertel, Chief of Emergency Medicine, KGH; Sindi Hawkins, Kelowna-Mission MLA; Alan Dolman, Interior Health Board chair.

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Minister Abbott and the rest of the Ministry of Health Corporate Team are ready to hit the streets in the Times Colonist 10K Sunday, April 29.

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On April 26, Minister Abbott encouraged more British Columbians to register as organ donors. "Organ donation is literally giving the gift of life but depends entirely upon the generosity of donors and their families," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: Mary Polak, Langley MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for the Conversation on Health; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Pia Henriksson, mother of an organ donor. [News release]

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Minister Abbott does his part by registering as an organ donor during National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. "There are more than 300 people in B.C. waiting for organ transplants and hundreds more awaiting cornea transplants," said Abbott. In this photo: Mary Polak, Langley MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for the Conversation on Health; George Abbott, Minister of Health.

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On April 12, 2007, Minister Abbott officially opened Creekside Withdrawl Management Centre, new centre of specialized addiction services in Surrey. The new facility will offer a dedicated program tailored especially for youth, rather than young people having to participate in the general adult program. [News release] [Backgrounder]

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During the ceremony, Minister Abbott cut the "chain of addiction", to officially open the facility.

Pictured are: (L-R) Betty Ann Busse, Fraser Health Executive VP of Health Promotion and Community Programs; Keith Anderson, Fraser Health Interim President and CEO; Wayne, a former client of Maple Cottage Detox; Minister Abbott; Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts; Carol, a family representative of a former client; and Bruce McAuliffe, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation Board Chair. [News release] [Backgrounder]

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On April 16, Minister Abbott officially launched the new remote access TeleCare program. "Residents all across Vancouver Island will now be able to receive the same world-class consultation work from the BC Cancer Agency whether they are in Victoria or in six regional centres across the Island," said Abbott. [News release]

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TeleCare is a new Telehealth program that allows physicians and patients to remotely consult with oncologists in Victoria by video link. Pictured from left to right: Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Dr. Brian Weinerman, medical oncologist, BC Cancer Agency.

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On April 12, Minister Abbott announced new contracts for six airplanes with the BC Ambulance Service. The BCAS Air Ambulance Program operates six airplanes, two in Kelowna, one in Prince George and three in Vancouver, and three helicopters, one in Prince Rupert and two in Vancouver.

Pictured are: Pascal Rodier (Honour Guard, BC Ambulance Service), Health Minister George Abbott, Dave Carlson (Honour Guard, BC Ambulance Service), Les Fisher (Executive Director, Provincial Programs, BC Ambulance Service), Fred Platteel (Chief Executive Officer, BC Ambulance Service), MLA John Yap
[News release] [Backgrounder]

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On April 10-11, Minister Abbott attended the First Nations Health Forum which brought together key partners to discuss and understand the First Nations Health Plan. The First Nations Health Plan is part of the Province's commitment to closing the health gap between First Nations and other British Columbians by 2015. "We expect to see progress made in key areas such as life expectancy, mortality, youth suicide, infant mortality, prevalence of diabetes, childhood obesity, and practising, certified First Nations Health Care Professionals," said Abbott.

Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Ian Potter, Assistant Deputy Minister, First Nations and Inuit Health, Health Canada; Grand Chief Stewart Philip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs; BC Regional Chief Shawn Atleo, BC Assembly of First Nations; Grand Chief Ed John, First Nations Summit; Harold Tarbell, Master of Ceremonies. [News release]

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On April 4, Minister Abbott marked 100 years of vaccinations in B.C. with the announcement of a new immunization framework. The announcement was made at historic Helmcken House in Victoria, the home to John Sebastian Helmcken, one of B.C.'s first physicians. There are currently 14 government-funded immunization programs in British Columbia, providing protection from diseases such as annual influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, pneumococcal and meningococcal, measles, mumps and rubella.

With the Minister are (L-R), Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Womens' Issues Ida Chong, Vonnie Simpkin from Royal Jubilee Nurses Alumni in period nursing regalia from 1907, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall and Monika Naus, Medical Director for Immunization Programs, BC Centre for Disease Control.
[News release]

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On April 2, a federal-provincial initiative was launched enabling British Columbia parents of newborns to apply for both their child's birth certificate and Social Insurance Number using a single application form. Pictured left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Monte Solberg, Federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister responsible for Service Canada; Stephan Moraw; Giorgia Moraw and son Noah. [News release]

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On March 29, Minister Abbott participated in the official groundbreaking ceremony of the future Sunridge Estate community of care in Duncan. "The new facility will add 210 publicly funded residential care beds and assisted living units in Duncan and that means Cowichan Valley residents will soon have more options when planning for their long-term care needs," said Abbott. Pictured left to right: Mayor Phil Kent, Duncan; Mike Conroy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Vancouver Island Health Authority; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Norman Jones, President, Jones Development Corporation. [News release]

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On March 27, Minister Abbott officially opened one of the new UBC Clinical Academic Campuses located in key teaching hospitals throughout B.C. ""Expanding academic space at hospitals across the province is enabling the expansion of the UBC's Faculty of Medicine to produce more B.C.-trained doctors for local communities,"" said Abbott. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Gavin Stuart, Dean of UBC Faculty of Medicine; George Abbott, Minister of Health; MLA John Rustad, Prince George Omineca. [News release] [Backgrounder]

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The new classrooms at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria are now linked by video-conferencing technology to other hospitals spanning all six health authorities. The Ministry of Health provided $27.6 million for new or renovated teaching space in clinical academic campuses and related facilities, and a further $14.9 million for an audiovisual information technology infrastructure.

Pictured from left to right: Kelly Saran, Psychiatry resident, Royal Jubilee Hospital; Dr. Oscar Casiro, Associate Dean, Island Medical Program, UBC Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Gavin Stuart, Dean of UBC Faculty of Medicine; George Abbott, Minister of Health.

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On March 23, Minister Abbott unveiled the project sign for the expansion and redevelopment of Shuswap Lake General Hospital. "The $20-million investment will improve and modernize the emergency and diagnostic imaging departments to meet the increasing acute care needs of Shuswap patients," said George Abbott. Pictured from left to right: George Abbott, Minister of Health; Rhona Martin, Chair of the North Okanagan/Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District; Alan Dolman, Chair of the Interior Health Authority.

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On March 10, Minister Abbott welcomed 100 South Island participants to the public forum as part of the Conversation on Health. These forums are being held throughout the province from February to July 2007. “It’s obvious from the close to 94,000 people who have joined the Conversation to date that British Columbians have a great passion and interest in the health system today and for the future,” stated Minister Abbott. [News Release]

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On February 26, Minister Abbott signed an eight-year, $11 million agreement with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and GE Healthcare (GE). The agreement allows VIHA to purchase 48 new ultrasound systems and collaborate with GE to research and develop new healthcare technologies. "It's a prime example of how healthcare providers and technology companies can work together to advance patient care," said Abbott. Pictured from left to right: Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Dr. John Mathieson, VIHA Medical Director, Head of Medical Imaging; Sandra Seher, Ultrasound Section Head. [News Release]

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The signed partnership agreement ""will improve diagnostic services to island patients at eleven facilities from Victoria to Port Hardy, while giving our health care professionals the opportunity to be part of the development of leading edge technology,"" said Abbott. Pictured from left to right: Joseph Sardi, General Manager, GE Healthcare; Jac Kreut, VIHA Board Chair; George Abbott, Minister of Health; Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues; Dr. John Mathieson, VIHA Medical Director, Head of Medical Imaging; Heather Gibson, Director, Medical Imaging Services.

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In Kamloops on February 3, Health Minister George Abbott welcomed one hundred Thompson Cariboo Shuswap area residents to the first of 16 Conversation on Health regional public forums, which are being held across B.C. between February and July 2007. "This weekend's discussions provided us with invaluable information, as well as greater insight into what people in the Kamloops area value about their public health system, and where they see the pressures today and in the future," said Minister Abbott. [News Release]

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2006 Archived Photo Gallery