BC patients are seeing progress on some of the most specialized

challenges in health care thanks to the work of the provincial government,

the Provincial Health Services Authority, its agencies and its partners.

2007A PROGRESS REPORT ON HOW THE PHSA, SUPPORTED BY THE PROVINCIAL

GOVERNMENT, IS IMPROVING SPECIALIZED HEALTH SERVICES FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS

Welcome to steps forward 2007, our report to British Columbians regarding

how PHSA is improving specialized health services for residents in each

region of our province.

Our goals with this report are to be accountable to the public and to demon-

strate how innovation and collaboration have helped us achieve more equi-

table access to care, quality of service and control of costs—all to the benefit

of our number one priority, better health for the people we serve.

PHSA manages several agencies that serve the entire province and are

focused on specific populations with specialized care needs: children, women

and patients with cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, mental illness and

addictions and many others.

Our unique leadership role

When the provincial government created PHSA five years ago, it created

something unique in Canada. Not only do we focus on specialized care

province-wide, but we were also given the mission to collaborate with health

care providers and other stakeholders to find province-wide solutions to

health concerns.

Signs of progress

By valuing innovation and collaboration, PHSA and our agencies have

launched initiatives and accomplishments that garner national and

international attention as leading practices in health care.

Most importantly, patients are seeing tangible benefits from these steps

towards our vision of "Province-wide solutions. Better health."

Translating research into preventing cancer, opening new mental health facil-

ities for children and performing record numbers of organ transplants —

this progress report highlights just a few of the many improvements being

made by PHSA and our agencies.

Joint effort

Of course, these important steps forward could not be taken alone. The

10,000 dedicated people within the PHSA family — our staff at every level,

our physicians, our management team and our board — demonstrate

tremendous dedication and leadership.

Their efforts are magnified by our valuable collaborations with our many

partners — regional health authorities, charitable foundations, physicians in

the community, universities and colleges, research institutes and other key

stakeholders.

Government support

In particular, PHSA thanks the government of BC for its ongoing support.

British Columbians in all regions are benefiting from government's leader-

ship in health care. Nearly tripling the funding for cancer drugs helps

patients receive new and advanced treatments. Increasing province-wide dial-

ysis capacity by 66 per cent helps patients access care in their community

and even in their own homes. Promoting research and prevention helps

address the long-term sustainability of your health care system.

Individual and community responsibility

We know that the long-term future means increasing demand for our spe-

cialized health services. Some people will always need — and fully deserve —

our care through no fault of their own. No child asks to be born with a hole

in their heart or with genetic predisposition towards cancer. However, we

also know that many health care problems are largely preventable by people

taking better care of their own health. Living healthier lifestyles is our indi-

vidual and community responsibility. Doing so will help ensure health care is

there for those who need it most. It is very timely for the provincial govern-

ment, PHSA and the regional health authorities to be engaging British

Columbians to act now and live healthier lifestyles.

Five years of progress: a message from PHSA's Chair and CEO

Wynne Powell, Board Chair Lynda Cranston, President & CEO

our vision:

province-wide solutions. better health.

our mission:

to promote and deliver accessible quality

health services for all british columbians

through an integrated health system.

our values:

patients first.

best value.

results matter.

improvements through knowledge.

open to possibilities.

3

PHSA Programs and ServicesSince its creation in 2001, PHSA has launched programs and services to add value to the work of PHSA

agencies and partners. New platforms are yielding benefits in quality, collaboration, efficiency and innovation.

IDENTIFYING TOXINS

New laboratory opens

When a coroner investigates a death or patients require therapeutic drug screening or monitoring, they can

rely on a new, state-of-the-art Provincial Toxicology Laboratory. The new, purpose-built facility is a provincial

resource for clinical and forensic toxicology. It is a significant upgrade by PHSA Laboratories over previous

facilities and offers close links with other specialty labs in Vancouver. The modern lab will help address stiff

global competition for trained toxicologists. Dr. Walter Martz, with international experience in developing

accredited, national toxicology labs, has already been recruited to BC from Germany to act as the lab's senior

scientist leader.

BRIDGING CULTURAL BARRIERS

Helping clinicians and patients to communicate

BC is increasingly diverse and is home to Canada's largest Chinese and Punjabi-speaking populations. When

patients have limited or no English-language skills, health care providers must overcome medical jargon, cul-

tural sensitivities and confidentiality implications of using friends or family as translators. Filling the need is

PHSA’s increasingly popular Provincial Language Service (PLS). A new telephone interpreting service offers

access to more than 150 languages. Partnerships with local organizations across BC provide professional, face-

to-face interpreter services in more than 40 languages. PLS now handles more than 20,000 requests for serv-

ice from health care providers each year. Bridging the culture gap results in better diagnoses, in less time and

with fewer repeat consultations.

PROMOTING HEALTHIER POPULATIONS

Translating research into action

We can decrease the burden of disease and improve the quality of life for thousands if we can improve our

efforts to prevent certain diseases before they occur, such as cancer, diabetes and kidney failure. PHSA is

leveraging its significant expertise in population health research to help BC's clinicians and policymakers.

In 2006-07, PHSA surveyed 10,000 people in 26 BC communities about their health and wellness and also

published reviews of the scientific evidence on: life expectancy trends, second-hand smoke in public places,

supporting mentally ill or addicted patients to quit smoking and the role of health authorities in community

access to healthy food. PHSA also signed a Healthy Workplace Charter, and committed to smoke-free prop-

erties and healthy food in hospital vending machines.

“We have community members who speakSpanish, Portuguese,Punjabi, Thai andChinese…a common

challenge for all is communicating with health care providers. The Provincial LanguageService will make this much easier.”

— Hilma LaBelleExecutive Director

Penticton and District Multicultural Society

As a result of investments by PHSA Laboratories, toxicology analysts like Mahmood Khan have a more modern facility with closer links to other speciality labs.

On the cover: Sunny Hill Health

Centre for Children celebrated 75

years of service in 2006-07.

Clients like 15-year-old Graham

Tekano now live at home with

technical and professional

supports.

4

One of the deadlier cancers is being detected earlier because of innovative work by the BCCancer Agency's oral cancer prevention program. Dentist and Researcher Catherine Pohcan now see developing tumours due to practical research into new technologies.

BC Cancer AgencyBritish Columbians have among the best outcomes for cancer due to the BC Cancer Agency’s strong tra-

dition of linking care to research and its provincial network of four regional centres, a research centre,

47 community oncology sites and several networks across BC.

EARLIER, EASIER DIAGNOSIS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

From lab discovery to dentist chair in two years

Oral cancer is one of the deadlier cancers because with few symptoms it can be hard to detect in the

early stages. However, 80 per cent of cases could be curable if caught early. In an excitingly rapid

translation of research into community prevention, the BC Cancer Agency has researched and devel-

oped a new, handheld device that can reveal tumours that would be otherwise invisible. A collabora-

tion with the BC Dental Association now enables prevention, detection and referral for cancer care to

start with a visit to the dentist. The research, supported by the BC Cancer Foundation, has also

attracted international funding and interest in expanding the model to other countries.

TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES ACCESS TO CARE

More capacity and innovative treatments

About 850 additional cancer patients a year will receive treatment from new radiation therapy treat-

ment vaults opened in 2006. The $4.8-million expansion, funded by the provincial government

through PHSA, added two new machines and space for future growth. Up to 600 patients a year will

also benefit from a new, $4 million Precision Radiotherapy Centre and state-of-the-art linear accelera-

tor, allowing innovative treatment of intense radiation to the tumour, while sparing the surrounding

health tissue. The provincial government, through PHSA, provided $3 million and the BC Cancer

Foundation, with strong support from the Chinese-Canadian community, provided $1 million. In addi-

tion, a new $2 million 64-slice CT scanner opened in 2006.

1,000-DONOR MILESTONE REACHEDDonations support global research

BC Cancer Agency researchers marked a milestone in 2006-07: the 1,000th donation of tumour tis-

sue by British Columbians to the Tumour Tissue Repository. Passing the milestone will help the

project become a national and global resource for research into cancer. This is a significant achieve-

ment because collecting samples in the thousands enables researchers to advance clinical research and

answer clinically-important questions. The Tumour Tissue Repository is funded through Vancouver

Island donors to the BC Cancer Foundation, in partnership with private industry.

"...a novel, province-wide oralcancer screening program thatintegrates, for the first time, telltale molecular features of adeveloping tumour with moretraditional cancer screeningtools. This project serves as atemplate for future screeningprograms elsewhere in theworld, including the UnitedStates."

— National Institututes for Health (USA) on why it is investing

$6.2 million into BC research

health

TIP5 gives you 5050% of cancers are

preventable. Check

out the 5 best ways

to cut your risk:

www.bccancer.bc.ca/

ppi/prevention

BC Children’s HospitalBC Children's Hospital & Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children provide expert care for the province's

most seriously ill or injured children (including newborns and adolescents) and specialized services to

children and adolescents with development disabilities.

PREVENTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY

A family approach

Today's children may not live as long as their parents because of the growing epidemic of obesity

among children and teens. The new Centre for Healthy Weights: Shapedown BC is targeting the

cause — modern lifestyles and eating habits — and involving the whole family. BC Children's

Hospital is expanding the successful pilot program to assist up to 200 families a year thanks to new

funding of $400,000 annually from the BC government's ActNow BC initiative. Shapedown BC's

interdisciplinary team of doctors, nutritionists and counselors practice a family-centred approach.

Children and their families work as a team to adopt a healthier lifestyle, making changes in nutrition

and physical activity levels for the entire family, to avoid the serious consequences linked to childhood

obesity.

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SERVICE

Caring for a unique patient population

From its early days as a "preventorium" for children with tuberculosis in 1931, Sunny Hill Health

Centre for Children has transformed into a provincial resource treating the unique needs of children

with developmental and complex disabilities. Today, Sunny Hill cares for more than 5,000 children

each year, 60 per cent of whom live outside of the Lower Mainland, and collaborates with regional

health authorities to improve regional access to services. Treatment of children and youth with dis-

abilities has changed considerably over the past 75 years, and Sunny Hill is at the forefront of assess-

ing and caring for this unique patient population.

IMPROVING REGIONAL PEDIATRIC SERVICES

Easier access closer to where sick kids live

Regardless of where they live, BC's one million children deserve to have the same level of access to

specialized pediatric care. PHSA launched Child Health BC to bridge BC's vast distances and support

care closer to where sick kids live. The new network links medical professionals and agencies, includ-

ing BC Children's Hospital, regional health authorities, and the provincial ministries of Health, and

Children and Family Development. This network will work to provide easier access to care, reduce

travel for families, and enable greater efficiency and collaboration among professionals and agencies

involved in child health throughout the province. Overwaitea Food Group made a $20-million pledge

of support for Child Health BC, the BC Children's Hospital Foundation's largest-ever donation.

"Child Health BC will improvelinks between regional healthauthorities, child/youth agen-cies, and the specialist teamsat BC Children's Hospital.Partnerships will result in bet-ter access to specialty pediatricservices and consistent stan-dards of care for BC's sickestchildren, regardless of whichregion they call home."

— Barb StoddardProgram Manager

Richmond Health ServicesVancouver Coastal Health

Family teamwork is key to ensuring our children make healthy lifestyle choices. Morefamilies like the Bowles from Gibsons will be supported through the BC Children’sHospital Shapedown BC Program funded by ActNowBC.

5

health

TIPHealthy Buddies:

Linking elementary

students with mentors

in higher grades

helps them choose healthy

lifestyles.

See www.healthybuddies.ca

6

Haisla Nation teens produced their own HIV/AIDS awareness movie, Stand True, withsupport from (left to right) educator Melanie Rivers (Squamish) and RN Lucy Barney(Titqet) of BCCDC's Chee Mamuk program.

BC Centre for Disease ControlBCCDC plays a key role in protecting the public from urgent and emerging health concerns such as SARS

or avian influenza, offers expertise in environmental health and laboratory services, and has strengthened

health promotion programs such as immunization to protect children and the general public from poten-

tially fatal diseases.

FIRST NATIONS TEENS "STAND TRUE"

Communities engaged against HIV

First Nations and aboriginal people are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Although they are just

five per cent of BC's population, they represented just over 14 per cent of all new HIV infections in

2006. To promote prevention, BCCDC's Chee Mamuk program engages First Nations and aboriginal

communities across BC. The program's latest milestone is "Stand True" — a short film produced, writ-

ten and starring several Haisla Nation teenagers from Kitimaat who were taught filmmaking basics and

tutored about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. Their screenplay shows how ignorance

and rumours fuel the spread of sexually transmitted infections, cause unplanned pregnancies and ruin

relationships and lives. "Stand True" also shows how awareness, a sense of responsibility and solidarity

can bring people together and strengthen the socio-cultural fabric.

BATTLING BUGS WITHOUT DRUGS

Everyone plays a role in infection control

Bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics are a growing concern in the community as well as in hos-

pitals. Meanwhile, antibiotics, which don't treat viruses, are too frequently prescribed and simple, effec-

tive handwashing is not practiced enough. Do Bugs Need Drugs?, a three-year community education

project to address the problem of antibiotic resistance, is reaching children, parents, teachers and

health care professionals. With in-school promotions, TV/radio ads and an informative website, the pro-

gram discusses basic infection control, how such knowledge can safeguard long-term health, as well as

how and why drug resistance can develop.

PREPARING THE NATION

Readiness for the next pandemic

H5N1 avian influenza's spread from country to country caused speculation it could trigger the next pan-

demic and raised questions of how institutions would respond. BCCDC's influenza team produced the

well-received DVD "Pandemic Influenza: Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best." The guide for

health care and other organizations across Canada interviewed experts, used 3D animation and simulat-

ed news coverage to paint a realistic picture of the next pandemic and what we can do now to prepare.

The DVD supports BCCDC's role in emergency public health management for the province and grow-

ing links with partners in the Asia-Pacific region in areas such as communicable disease surveillance,

pandemic preparedness modelling and broad-based scientific research.

"The very range of BCCDC'sservices shows how valuable itis to public health in ourprovince. The BCCDC is a multifaceted hybrid that trulyworks — for government andthe Ministry of Health, for doctors and nurses across theprovince, and ultimately for thepublic at large."

— Dr. Perry KendallProvincial Health Officer

Government of British Columbia

health

TIPDo Bugs Need Drugs?

Overuse of antibiotics

causes bacteria to

become drug resistant.

See 3 easy steps

everyone can follow at

www.dobugsneeddrugs.org

7

A new “kid-friendly’ facility means children and adolescents experiencing serious men-tal health challenges now have the space to participate in art programs with volunteer“Rogest” (artist Ron Stevens), and to display their work.

BC Mental Health & Addiction ServicesBC Mental Health & Addiction Services (BCMHAS) provides a diverse range of specialized, "one-of-a-

kind", tertiary-level mental health services to people across the province. BCMHAS also coordinates the

Riverview Hospital Redevelopment Project, bringing care closer to where patients live. To date, health

authorities have opened 325 new beds throughout BC.

OPENING NEW DOORS TO MENTAL HEALTH

New, purpose-built, child-friendly care environment

Children and adolescents from across the province who have serious mental health challenges now

have access to a wide range of services under one roof. The new $19-million mental health building is a

unique, purpose-built facility that "lets kids be kids." Play areas for children and lounges for teens help

make for a more home-like, welcoming environment for both children and their families. Improved set-

tings for group therapy and an abundance of windows and natural light create an overall atmosphere of

healing and hope. Co-located on the campus of BC Children's and BC Women's hospitals, it offers

inpatient and outpatient assessment, care and treatment; emergency care; outreach and an eating disor-

ders program. The province, through PHSA, provided $13 million for the new building while donors

contributed $6 million through the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

FOCUSED ON PATIENT SAFETY

First in BC to meet stricter standards

BCMHAS is one of the first health care organizations in BC to obtain national accreditation under 21

new patient safety standards. The three-year accreditation by the Canadian Council on Health Services

Accreditation is especially notable given that the environment and patient populations of Riverview

Hospital and Forensic Psychiatric Services pose significant safety challenges. The evaluators also recog-

nized BCMHAS as a strong learning organization that links staff with education and research, empowers

clients through connections with families and advocacy organizations, and demonstrates excellence in

clinical care including redeveloping Riverview in line with best practices in mental health care.

SEEKING SOLUTIONS

Researching patient-centered care

Forensic Psychiatric Services is earning international attention for a new, effective clinical assessment

tool for gauging 20 strengths and challenges in patients with serious mental disorders. The START tool

(Short-Term Assessment of Risk & Treatability) gauges such risk factors as self-harm, violence, substance

misuse and elopement. Clinicians use the tool in day-to-day monitoring, planning patient-centred treat-

ments, preventing violence and reducing the cycling of psychiatric patients through the justice system.

The tool, developed in conjunction with researchers at Ontario's St. Joseph's Hospital, is being translated

into French, German, Dutch, Finnish and Norwegian.

“We've gone from a dingybasement classroom…and asmall room with no windowsfor the younger children tothree classrooms with big,sunny windows overlooking apark. It's not only morerelaxed and more professionalbut there's a hopeful feelingthat translates into a healthierlearning environment for thekids.”

— Virginia MacKinnon Special Needs Teacher

Vancouver School Board about the new mental health building

health

TIPAnxious?

Did you know there are at

least six different types of

anxiety disorders?

Learn more from the

anxiety disorder workbook

at www.heretohelp.ca

John Brayne, one of the 145,000 British Columbians with kidney disease, can continue hisactive lifestyle due to improved chronic disease management by the BC Renal Agency andits regional health authority partners.

"Fifty years ago, a diagnosis ofkidney failure was a death sentence. In 2007, we are lightyears ahead. BC has the high-est survival rates for dialysispatients in the country, and weare considered leaders in earlyintervention, independent therapies and quality improvement."

BC Renal AgencyOver the past five years, a seismic shift has taken place in kidney care in BC. Earlier diagnosis, better

chronic disease management and more care options are the result of collaboration between the BC

Renal Agency, health authority renal programs and other care providers, including family physicians.

EARLIER DIAGNOSIS EQUALS BETTER HEALTH

First detection strategy in North America

Kidney disease is a silent, incurable and all-too-often deadly illness, closely tied to diabetes and heart

disease. A province-wide, early-detection strategy, the first of its kind in North America, is proving that

if people are diagnosed early, they can slow or even stop it in its tracks through simple diet and

lifestyle changes. Family doctors can apply a simplified blood test (eGFR) to monitor kidney function.

Chronic kidney disease is now being detected 15 per cent earlier in terms of kidney function, giving

patients two more years on average to manage their condition and delay — or avoid — dialysis.

Partners include the Ministry of Health, BC Medical Association and BC Association of Laboratory

Physicians.

TEAMWORK YIELDS BETTER CARE

Chronic disease management quadruples since 2001

Kidney disease is a 24/7 chronic condition requiring patients to make frequent decisions about med-

ication, pain, fatigue, diet and exercise. To improve supports provided to patients before they need dial-

ysis, the BC Renal Agency began funding kidney care clinics in 2001. At these clinics, located across

the province, patients see a number of specialized kidney health professionals, including a nephrolo-

gist, nurse, dietitian and social worker. Since 2001, funding has increased by almost $3.5 million, and

the number of patients seen at these clinics has grown four-fold. The positive health outcomes are

clear: increased patient independence and a lesser likelihood of kidney failure and dialysis treatments.

INDEPENDENT OPTIONS TRANSFORM LIVES

Leading the nation in new care options

Dialysis in a facility can be draining. Four-hour treatments, three times a week. Loss of energy and a

range of side effects. Extreme diet and lifestyle restrictions. A growing number of patients in all

regions are choosing innovative options for independent dialysis. About 640 people in BC, one of the

highest rates in the country, use peritoneal dialysis. Through Canada's first provincial program of its

kind, about 160 people dialyze at home on a hemodialysis machine. Patients experience better health

outcomes, fewer symptoms and hospital stays, less medication and more diet options. The health sys-

tem saves on facility costs and society benefits from patients returning to work.

— Dr. Gerry KarrRenal Medical Director

Interior Health

8

health

TIPCatch a killer

Are you one of the

145,000 British

Columbians who has

kidney disease but

doesn't know it? Talk to

your doctor about the

eGFR blood test.

BC Transplant SocietyThe British Columbia Transplant Society celebrated 20 years of innovation in 2006. The society coordi-

nates all activities related to organ donation and transplantation throughout BC. The society partners

with three transplant hospitals and operates seven regional clinics throughout BC.

NEW SUPPORT FOR ORGAN DONORS

First in North America

People choosing to donate a kidney, or portion of their liver, can incur travel and accommodation

expenses, and loss of income for up to eight weeks. To reduce these barriers to donation, BC

launched the first program in North America to reimburse living donors for reasonable expenses

related to donating a kidney or portion of their liver to someone in need. PHSA is contributing half of

the costs for the $900,000 three-year pilot, in partnership with the Kidney Foundation of Canada-BC

Branch and private contributors. Patients who receive organs from living donors experience shorter

waits and better outcomes than through donation from deceased donors. The program’s public fund-

ing will be offset by the reduced health care costs from helping a patient avoid five years of dialysis.

RECORD NUMBER OF TRANSPLANTS

Patients get second chances at life

Many patients waiting for a transplant received the best possible news in 2006 as the BC Transplant

Society performed 233 solid organ transplants, more than in any other previous year. More than 100

people — a record number — came forward to donate their kidney to a patient in need, increasing

"living kidney transplants" from 74 in 2005 to 101 in 2006. The number of transplants from

deceased donors also rose from 114 in 2005 to 144 in 2006. Organ donations provide patients with a

significant restart in life and greater freedom from chronic treatments such as kidney dialysis.

GROWING SUPPORT FOR DONATION

New potential donors reach five-year high

Renewed promotion efforts are resulting in continued year-after-year increases in the number of

British Columbians choosing to join the Organ Donor Registry. The BC Transplant Society set a goal

for 2006-07 of 35,000 new registrants and exceeded this by adding more than 55,000 people, the

highest total in five years. A partnership with ICBC to insert forms in mailings to new drivers contin-

ues to deliver a significant number of registrations. The Organ Donor Registry, the only one of its

kind in Canada, ensures registrants' informed decisions are respected while lessening the burden of

decision-making for grieving families.

9

UBC Commerce professor Len Henriksson made his wishes known with the Organ DonorRegistry. By recording his decision, Len gave seven patients a second chance of life. He alsodemonstrated a generosity of spirit that supported his mother Pia during her time of grief.

“It was as if a light went on.Len had already made hisdecision and we were justcarrying it out. Here he was,even in death, helping people. To think that such joycame out of so much sadness. I am so proud of my son.”

— Pia Henriksson speaking of how seven patients

benefited from her son Len’s decision to join the Organ Donor Registry

health

TIPEasier for your family

When tragedy strikes,

your loved ones

shouldn't have to guess.

Register your wishes at

www.transplant.bc.ca

BC Women’s Hospital & Health CentreThe country's busiest maternity hospital and BC's major tertiary maternity and neonatal care centre, BC

Women's has launched a new Women's Health Research Institute and partnerships with regional health

authorities to promote better care for women, newborns and families across BC.

REACHING OUT TO WOMEN

Partnerships improve access to screening

Women in Northern Health communities are less likely to go for screening and more likely to die

from cervical and breast cancers than elsewhere in BC. Rates for First Nations women in these com-

munities are even worse. BC Women's partnered with Northern Health to improve access to screening

by training nurses in eight communities (Burns Lake, Carrier Sekani Babine Nation, Fort St. James,

Hazelton, Kitimat, Mackenzie, Massett, Prince George and Quesnel). The $300,000 initiative resulted

in more than 1,400 women — about 13 per cent of the region's adult female population — going for a

Pap test. Many of the women said they would not have gone for screening without the outreach and

also used the program as a gateway to other health services.

KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE

Reducing hypertension during pregnancy

The most common cause of maternal mortality in North America is pre-eclampsia, characterized by the

onset of acute hypertension during pregnancy. Working in consultation with clinicians from BC

Women's, the BC Reproductive Care Program developed Hypertension in Pregnancy Guidelines for ini-

tial assessment, ongoing monitoring, and treatment of women with symptoms of pre-eclampsia. The

recommendations were developed by BC Women's health care providers and researchers in keeping

with international guidelines and current practice across Canada. These new guidelines will standardize

the approach to care across the province, offering the greatest safety to women at risk for hypertension

and reducing complications.

OPEN DOORS TO REPRODUCTIVE MENTAL HEALTH

Improving local and regional access

Depression is the leading cause of disability for women in their childbearing years. With the move into

the new mental health building, the BC Women's Reproductive Mental Health Program can provide

better access to care. Women with mental health concerns associated with their reproductive cycle

receive comprehensive assessment, treatment and follow-up, and improved clinical coordination for a

range of women's health services. The program also collaborated with the Ministry of Health to

develop a new framework for local action that helps regional health authorities address depression

affecting expectant and new mothers.

“The cervical and breast can-cer screening initiative wasvery positive in many ways.Women in these communi-ties were very responsive tothe women-centred approachto their health, the communi-ties as a whole shared asense of ownership, and thenurses enjoyed incorporatingthe principles into their practice.”

— Lynda Anderson Coordinator

Women's Health and Wellness ProgramsNorthern Health Authority

10

Birth and the first hours with a new baby are a very special time. The government-funded$2.5 million renovation to single-room maternity care at BC Women’s provides familiessuch as the Knotts with more comforts, family-centred care and time together.

health

TIPResilient moms:

Techniques to relax, man-

age stress, exercise, sleep

well and eat a well bal-

anced diet can ward off

post partum depression.

See www.bcwomens.ca

11

New funding from PHSA Cardiac Services will add two nurse-practictioner positions andpsychology and social work supports for patients of Dr. Marla Kiess and the Pacific AdultCongenital Heart Clinic.

PHSA Cardiac ServicesCardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for Canadians. Although treatment options

continue to improve outcomes, the rate of cardiovascular disease continues to grow due to our aging

population. To improve the provinicial coordination of cardiac care, PHSA Cardiac Services was created to

plan, coordinate, evaluate and fund ($139 million annually) selected cardiac services in British Columbia.

LIVING INTO ADULTHOOD

Provincial resource meets individual care needs

One in 125 children is born with a congenital heart abnormality. Until quite recently, few of these patients

survived childhood. Because of advances in medical and surgical cardiac care, over 85 per cent now survive

to adulthood and face new situations such as pregnancy. They require cardiologists familiar with their

complex congenital anatomy for ongoing care and in case of emergencies. To ensure smooth transition

into adult-based care, the province, through PHSA Cardiac Services, more than doubled the annual

funding to $450,000 for the Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Clinic, a provincial resource operated and

supported by Vancouver Coastal Health.

LIFE-SAVING DEVICES

Better access and quality of life

In 2001, Providence’s St. Paul's Hospital became the first heart transplant centre in Western Canada to pro-

vide ventricular assist devices (VAD) for critically-ill patients whose only option is a heart transplant. The

device assists the pumping action of the damaged heart. Some patients, who risk dying if a donor heart is not

available, find they can leave the hospital and resume a more normal and relatively active life at home. This

lifestyle increases their strength and their chances of a successful transplant operation. To improve access to

these life-saving devices, the province, through PHSA Cardiac Services, increased funding by 60 per cent and

now provides a million dollars annually to Vancouver Coastal Health’s and Providence Health Care’s VAD

program.

RENEWING CARDIAC REGISTRY

Committed to clinical and research uses

Good data is a cornerstone of evidence-based medicine and research. The BC Cardiac Registry has been

tracking cardiac surgery procedures, such as open heart surgery, since 1991. Registry information is used

for administrative, clinical and research purposes. PHSA Cardiac Services has now centralized registry

operations and committed to adding to its value by updating the information technology platform and soft-

ware applications. Updated technology and processes will lead to a more efficient and comprehensive data-

base of cardiovascular disease information relevant to the planning and delivery of cardiac care services in

British Columbia.

"Adulthood places newdemands on children whohave survived congenitalheart disorders. PHSA'snew support will helpthese patients live morenormal lives with easieraccess to nurse practi-tioners, psychologists andsocial workers."

— Dr. Marla KiessDirector

Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Clinic St. Paul's Hospital

health

TIPCardiovascular disease

is Canada's #1 killer.

Learn what your risks

are and receive a

personalized action plan

for healthy living.

ww2.heartandstroke.ca/

hs_risk.asp

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) is responsible

for ensuring British Columbians have access to consistent and

high quality specialized health services. For more information

about our agencies and our other services, visit the PHSA web-

site at www.phsa.ca.

The PHSA’s agencies are: BC Cancer Agency, BC Centre for

Disease Control, BC Children's Hospital & Sunny Hill Health

Centre for Children, BC Provincial Renal Agency, BC Transplant

Society, BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre, BC Mental

Health & Addiction Services, and PHSA Cardiac Services.

Provincial Health Services Authority - 700-1380 Burrard Street,

Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2H3, Canada www.phsa.ca

Duncan Webb, PHSA’s manager of injury prevention, is working with nurses like DebbieWindover of the Vaccine Evaluation Center at BC Children’s Hospital to introduce new needles and other devices with safety features that prevent injuries to staff.

PHSA Accomplishments in Clinical SupportAfter PHSA was created in 2001, PHSA-wide corporate services were consolidated to provide efficient,

high-quality services to our various agencies. Standardizing and applying best practices add value to

front-line services.

REDUCING WORKPLACE INJURIES

Safe needles introduced across PHSA

One of the top concerns of nurses and other health professionals is workplace exposure to communica-

ble diseases like HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. PHSA is answering those concerns and making workplaces

across PHSA safer by introducing new, specially-designed needles. The needles and other safety devices

such as I.V.s have special features to retract or cover the sharp point after use. Their introduction at

Forensic Psychiatric Hospital and Riverview Hospital has nearly eliminated "needlestick injury" inci-

dents and the associated costs and worry of follow-up testing. The goal — based on clinical trials involv-

ing PHSA staff — is to reduce needlestick injury rates by 75 per cent.

RECRUITING MORE NURSES TO BC

New partnerships pay out in people

Despite intense global competition, BC's health authorities are successfully recruiting more nurses in

key areas to come to BC to work — and doing it more efficiently. PHSA is partnering with regional

health authorities to aggressively market key vacancies in a coordinated effort. PHSA launched BabyBC

to attract more neonatal and perinatal nurses to hospitals across BC. In its first few months, 25 special-

ized nurses from the UK were attracted to hospitals across the province. PHSA also joined with

Providence and Vancouver Coastal Health to launch the NurseVancouver campaign that attracted 196

nurses from the UK to the Lower Mainland. This success encouraged Fraser Health to join the 2007/08

campaign.

PUTTING PATIENT SAFETY FIRST

Fostering a culture of constant improvement

Although BC has one of the safest and most effective health care systems in the world, PHSA is com-

mitted to promoting best practices for patient safety at our facilities and with our many partners.

PHSA's strategic plans make explicit our commitment to a culture of constant improvement in patient

safety. Within PHSA, recent steps include creating a new central office for infection prevention and con-

trol, trialing a new safety syringe for spinal injections, piloting new electronic incident reporting sys-

tems and implementing specific programs from the national Safer Healthcare Now! initiative. PHSA's

external collaborations include chairing the BC Patient Safety Task Force, hosting the Provincial

Infection Control Network (PICNet), and sponsoring the 2006 Canadian Healthcare Safety ("Halifax6")

Symposium in Vancouver.

"I was very pleased to meetwith Canadian and PHSA repre-sentatives. I was struck by theirdedication to maintaining theculture of patient safety. I wasparticularly impressed by thework being done in developingthe safe spinal injection system,an initiative that the world willwish to learn from.

— Sir Liam DonaldsonChief Medical Officer for England

Chair of the World Alliance for Patient Safety

Design: Mina Radivojevic, PHSA Communications Photography: Perry Zavitz