The Northern Health Board of Directors met for its latest regular meeting in Quesnel where they heard that Northern Health has been granted trauma accreditation across the region. Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace and Fort St. John Hospital both received level V accreditation, and the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) in Prince George received level III.
“The system of integrated services that Northern Health has built proved to be a strength across the region,” said Dr. Charles Jago, NH Board Chair. “The process of accreditation itself has improved our trauma system and services.”
Another highlight was a presentation by Brandon Grant, NH men’s health coordinator, on the initiatives and work that has sprung from the community consultation on men’s health. The board applauded the innovative outreach that is being conducted to inform, educate and create change in how men approach health and health conversations throughout the North.
“Our communities were approached last year to provide input into how we can reach men and support them to make healthy choices,” said Cathy Ulrich, CEO of Northern Health. “The work our staff are doing is creative and the approach to accessing men on their own terms and in places they will be is proving successful and effective.”
The board also received an update on the activation of the Code Orange protocol across Northern Health in response to the recent fire at Babine Forest Products in Burns Lake. The response of northern health physicians and staff, particularly in Burns Lake, along with provincial partners such as BC Bedline and BC Ambulance, was exceptional during this terrible incident.
“The decision making, responsiveness and commitment of physicians, nurses and staff was exceptional,” said Dr. Charles Jago, NH board chair. “We recognize the impact this tragic event will have in the community and are committed to working with the residents of Burns Lake during this difficult time.”
Other information that was presented and discussed by the board included: an update of physician and staff recruitment, the current status of LEAN projects in progress throughout the region, reports on capital projects including the status of the Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Project and BCCA Centre for the North construction.
In addition to all of the information provided, 20 community members met with the board and staff to discuss four topics: seniors and palliative care, renal services, recruitment, and mental health and addictions.
“We take every opportunity to hear from the community about what is and is not working,” said Michael McMillan, NI Chief Operating Officer for NH, “these discussions are informative for both the members of the community and Northern Health as we work together to address the health issues of concern to the community.”
The board also discussed the latest financial report. Those reports are forecasting that NH will end the year with a small surplus.
The next NH Board of Directors meeting will take place on April 16-17 in Terrace.