File image of the Florentine in Merritt - one of several sites being proactively relocated to sites within IH and health authorities in the Lower Mainland. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

PATIENT RELOCATIONS

Interior Health relocating long-term care residents as a result of wildfire activity

Aug 16, 2021 | 4:11 PM

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health (IH) says several residents have been relocated from regional long-term care facilities as a result of widespread fire activity.

In a release Monday (Aug. 16), IH says it has relocated long-term care residents from Armstrong, Lillooet, 100 Mile House, Merritt, and West Kelowna since Friday.

The families of these individuals have been contacted directly, and IH says it has provided details on where their loved ones were sent, and what ongoing care is taking place.

“I want to thank our health authority partners throughout the province and each and every person across the Interior region for their commitment and support during these challenging times,” states IH President and CEO, Susan Brown. “We are all in this together. Our collective focus is the safety of care home residents, hospital patients, and community health clients entrusted to our care.”

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Alongside impacts to long-term care homes, Interior Health updated the operational status of regional hospitals and healthcare facilities:

Merritt (Lytton Creek wildfire)

• Gillis House, Nicola Meadows and The Florentine care homes are being proactively relocated to sites within IH and health authorities in the Lower Mainland.
• The emergency department at the Nicola Valley Hospital & Health Centre remains open at this time. Anyone requiring emergency care should proceed to this hospital as needed.

Lillooet (McKay Creek wildfire)

• Mountainview Lodge long-term care home has been proactively relocated to health authorities in the Lower Mainland.

Armstrong (White Rock Lake wildfire)

• Pleasant Valley Manor long-term care has been proactively relocated to health authorities in the Lower Mainland.
• The Vernon Jubilee Hospital remains open this time. Anyone requiring emergency care should proceed to this hospital as needed. District of 100 Mile House (Flat Lake wildfire)
• Fischer Place and Mill Site Lodge long-term care homes have been proactively relocated to health authorities in the Lower Mainland.
• The 100 Mile District General Hospital emergency department remains open at this time. Anyone requiring emergency care should proceed to this hospital as needed.

West Kelowna (Mount Law wildfire)

• Brookhaven long-term care is being proactively relocated to health authorities in the Lower Mainland.
• Village at Smith Creek and Lakeview Lodge long-term care homes are being relocated primarily to local sites in the community with some exceptions to health authorities in the Lower Mainland.
• The West Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Centre remains open at this time.

Interior Health notes that families are being contacted directly with relocation details, and anyone wishing to confirm their loved one’s location is asked to call 1.877.442.2001.

The health authority says it is working closely with municipalities, regional districts, and the BC Wildfire Service to ensure precautions are underway to protect patients, clients, and residents.

Part of this wildfire planning work includes supporting anyone who may be in isolation due to COVID-19. Separate arrangements are being made for anyone confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 in order to protect the public from potential exposure.

Those requiring support during this crisis are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789.