Over the past few days, VIHA has been working with health care unions to provide information and address concerns in preparation for receiving refugees requiring emergency medical care.

Canadian officials confirmed today that 490 refugees are aboard a vessel approaching the BC coast.

The old emergency department at Victoria General Hospital has been temporarily reopened to provide screening, triage, assessment, and diagnostic care. VIHA has also re-opened 7 North to treat refugees requiring hospital admission.

BC Health Coalition ACTION ALERT:

Less than a week after a sudden announcement to emergency room staff, Vancouver General Hospital has already begun dismantling a much-needed Domestic Violence Program that has been serving the community for 18 years.

The outpatient Domestic Violence Program serves 20-25 clients per week, providing counselling for patients experiencing violent relationships. The program also provides support, education and referrals for child protection and safety planning.

Join the Fight HST Rally
August 8 ... Stanley Park Entrance , Vancouver

Download flyer

The schedule for the 2010 HSA regional meetings, an excellent forum for HSA members to review the issues and activities of the past year, and to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, has been set by the unions board of directors.

The Vancouver and District Labour Council women's committee presents a panel discussion on economic justice for women Wednesday June 2.

The panel will feature Adrienne Montani from First Call and the Living Wage Campaign, Jocelyn Vergabera from the Phillipine Women's Centre, and a representative from UNITE HERE Local 40.

The panel will be held as follows:

Wednesday, June 2
7 - 9 p.m.
Boardroom 1
Maritime Labour Centre
111 Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Last November, rehabilitation therapists in the Fraser Health Authority were alarmed by the health authoritys announced plans to -partner" with private vendors to provide post-surgical physiotherapy.

However, the FHA has recently abandoned those plans.

Public Forum:  Public Health Care: How can we afford it?

Date:
Friday, May 14

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Place:
Firefighter's Conference Centre
6515 Bonsor Street, Burnaby
(in the Metrotown complex)

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Iglika Ivanova, Economist and Public Interest Researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives on supporting innovation in the public health care system.

The BC Health Coalition is calling into question the provincial governments commitment to defend public health care in the courts in the wake of the recent appointment of Kip Woodward as chair of Vancouver Coastal Health ... the provinces second largest health authority.

Mr. Woodward is a former Board member of the for-profit Cambie Surgery Centre and his family investment firm, Woodcorp Investments Ltd., is an investor in the controversial private clinic run by Dr. Brian Day.