Health
4 Canadian passengers from hantavirus-linked cruise quarantining on the Island
Dr. Bonnie Henry says the virus is not considered “a disease of pandemic potential,” though it is “very serious.”
Robyn Bell·Sunday, May 10, 2026·4 min
Health.
Recent health coverage from the newsroom — newest first.
Latest
This Canadian Neurologist-Built App Wants to Make Sure You Never Forget What Your Doctor Said
Studies have long found that patients retain only a fraction of what's said during a medical appointment, a gap that makes it hard to follow through on care plans or make informed decisions afterward.
Marcus Health·Tuesday, June 30, 2026·2 min read
News
10 years in crisis: BC’s opioid public health emergency enters new decade
Mourning events are taking place across Greater Victoria to mark the 10-year toxic drug crisis.
Robyn Bell·Monday, April 13, 2026·4 min
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News
Warning labels on alcohol could reduce cancer rates, says UVic study
Researchers examined how different alcohol policies could reduce drinking and its related health risks.
Robyn Bell·Friday, March 6, 2026·3 min
News
Victoria podcast helping people access therapy to return for 2nd season
The three-part season will follow eight people as they learn to navigate the mental-health-care system.
Robyn Bell·Sunday, February 8, 2026·3 min
Health
BC’s hospital crowding problem isn’t improving, data shows
The Royal Jubilee and Saanich Peninsula Hospitals were both listed in the top 20 most crowded BC hospitals.
Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, The Tyee·Monday, December 15, 2025·6 min
News
Emergency room wait times: 86% increase in patients leaving ER without seeing a doctor
The BC Conservative Caucus points to Island Health having the biggest increase in the number of patients running out of patience and then walking out of the hospital.
Mark Brennae·Wednesday, July 23, 2025·3 min
News
Province ends treatment funding for terminally ill Langford girl
Clinical evidence indicates that once a patient’s motor and language functions begin to slow, Brineura therapy is no longer beneficial in slowing the disease, the provincial health minister said.
Mark Brennae·Tuesday, June 17, 2025·3 min
News
More overdose prevention sites likely coming to hospitals across BC
The province's announcement has Victoria harm-reduction activists cautiously optimistic.
Michelle Gamage, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, The Tyee·Tuesday, June 10, 2025·5 min
News
Key findings from inquest into UVic student’s on-campus death
The inquest finished this week, with the jury making 10 recommendations to prevent similar deaths.
Robyn Bell·Thursday, May 15, 2025·8 min
News
Victoria YMCA-YWCA moving to Bay Centre
The new Y won’t have a pool, gymnasium, or any racquet sport courts, something an estimated 10-15% of the membership uses.
Mark Brennae·Tuesday, May 6, 2025·3 min
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News
Looking back on nearly a decade of the toxic drug crisis in BC
It's been nine years since the provincial health emergency was declared and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight.
Robyn Bell·Monday, April 14, 2025·4 min
News
Island's first long-term recovery centre for women opens in View Royal
New centre means locals won't have to leave family and community
Sidney Coles, Local Journalism Initiative·Sunday, March 23, 2025·6 min
News
Opening the conversation about hearing loss: a path to better communication
The Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre aims to address one of the most common yet stigmatized disabilities in the world
Eva Rasciauskas·Sunday, February 23, 2025·4 min
News
BC ends take-home safer supply amid concerns of drug diversion
Those who rely on the safer supply program will need to consume their prescription under supervision.
Robyn Bell·Wednesday, February 19, 2025·3 min
News
Island toxic drug deaths hit two-year low last year
The Island recorded 446 toxic drug deaths, with the province hitting a four-year low of 2,253 deaths.
Robyn Bell·Tuesday, February 4, 2025·2 min
News
The Creating Community Wellness Society is helping to connect patients with doctors
The Canadian healthcare system can be difficult to navigate—but this local non-profit is offering a pathway
Eva Rasciauskas·Tuesday, January 21, 2025·3 min
News
Alcohol and tobacco consumption is higher on the Island than rest of BC
The rate of Island hospitalizations for alcohol use is twice the national average.
Robyn Bell·Wednesday, December 18, 2024·6 min
News
Victoria sustainable period product company launches in Costco
joni period products are sustainable and free of harmful chemicals, changing industry norms
Robyn Bell·Wednesday, December 11, 2024·5 min
News
Former premier John Horgan dies of cancer at 65
Horgan passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital yesterday morning surrounded by family, friends, and love in his final days.
Mark Brennae·Tuesday, November 12, 2024·4 min
News
Inquiry finds death at the Royal Jubilee accidental, calls for increased monitoring of psychiatric patients
Paul Spencer died in 2019 after an altercation with hospital security, leading to the two-week inquiry
Robyn Bell·Tuesday, September 24, 2024·2 min
News
Noise cameras get green light at UBCMs, province must approve
"Noise pollution isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a public health issue.” — Port Moody Coun. Samantha Agtarap.
Mark Brennae·Thursday, September 19, 2024·2 min
News
UVic study shows benefits of integrating police with mental health teams
IMPACT report indicates that long-term work with clients means reduced hospitalization and incarceration for those with severe disorders.
Sidney Coles, Local Journalism Initiative·Tuesday, September 17, 2024·4 min
News
Private donors and private clinics re-shaping the health-care landscape in Victoria
The two trends are different symptoms of a provincial health-care system in flux
Sidney Coles, Local Journalism Initiative·Tuesday, August 6, 2024·5 min