Provincial Health Services Authority - PHSA

04/24/2026

Did you know that BC Cancer has translated resources for each of the four provincial screening programs?

Breast: screeningbc.ca/breast/translated-resources

Cervix: screeningbc.ca/cervix/translated-resources

Colon: screeningbc.ca/colon/translated-resources

Lung: screeningbc.ca/lung/translated-resources

04/23/2026

Spring COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now available to adults 80 years and older, Indigenous people 70 years and older, residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities, and people six months and older diagnosed with significant immunocompromising conditions.

Spring COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now available to adults 80 years and older, Indigenous people 70 years and older, residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities, and people six months and older diagnosed with significant immunocompromising conditions.

Notifications to book appointments are being sent out to adults 65 and older who are registered in the Get Vaccinated system, beginning April 22, 2026. People will be able to get immunized as part of the spring COVID immunization program until July 31, 2026. If you have questions about the spring COVID vaccine, call 1-833-838-2323.

04/23/2026

“I urgently needed the help of the South Surrey paramedics. I can't find the words to say how thankful I am for their caring, calming effect, and empathy.”

Has someone at PHSA made a difference in your life? Share your gratitude with them today at phsa.ca/thanks.

04/23/2026

It’s Earth Day, a day when many of us will be thinking about the land, water, and air around us — and how climate change is affecting our environment. If you have a reflection to share, consider submitting a story to Ecolens.ca

Ecolens is a provincial storytelling platform that invites people across BC to share photos and reflections about how climate change is shaping their lives, communities, and health. Through an interactive map and themed collections, it brings local, lived climate experiences into the broader climate and health conversation.

As more stories are shared, ecolens will help the health system better understand emerging climate risks, community resilience, and the realities people are facing on the ground. This growing collection of lived experience will support more informed decisions that protect both people and the ecosystems we depend on.

04/22/2026

The BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank, located at BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, has operated continuously since 1974 and is a founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. The milk bank has helped thousands of babies and children.

When breast milk from a baby’s parent is not available, donor milk is the next best thing. Human milk has active beneficial properties that provide babies – especially those who are very sick – with antibodies to fight disease and infection.

The demand for milk is high and often exceeds supply. New donors are always needed. http://www.bcwomens.ca/our-services/labour-birth-post-birth-care/milk-bank/donating-milk

04/20/2026

Check out these tips from B.C. Centre for Disease Control on how to limit the potential health impacts of cannabis.

04/18/2026

The Sunny Hill Health Centre provides specialized developmental assessments and rehabilitation services for children, youth and their families.

Patients benefit from unique resources that have been purpose-built for their specific needs, including:

🌞 a fully accessible pool with movable floors

🌞 an open-concept gym

🌞 an interactive garden for mobility training and relaxation

🌞 a high-tech motion analysis lab

🌞 a family-focused lounge with space for child play.

04/17/2026

Advance care planning is the process of planning the type of care that is important to you and sharing what matters most with those you trust. That way, you can be sure your care reflects your values both now and in the future – even if you can’t speak for yourself.

It’s a gift you give to others by removing the guesswork and replacing it with clarity. Here are the Top 5 things to know about advance care planning:

1️⃣ It’s for everyone—not just people nearing the end of life. The best time to start is when you’re well. That way, you have time to think about your values, what matters to you, and who you trust to speak on your behalf.
2️⃣ It reduces stress—for you and those around you. In a crisis, decisions often fall to families who may not know what you would want. Planning ahead can ease the burden and prevent uncertainty.
3️⃣ It’s rooted in your values—your culture, faith, relationships, and the kind of care that feels right for you. It doesn’t mean predicting every medical scenario. It’s about giving people guidance to honour your choices.
4️⃣ Documentation matters—talking about your wishes is important, but they need to be written down and shared with those who may need to act on them. This includes your substitute decision-maker and your healthcare team.
5️⃣ It’s ongoing—our lives change, and so might our wishes. Revisit your plan after big life events, health changes, or even just once a year. That way, it stays up to date and reflects who you are today.

Take a moment today to talk with someone you trust. Start the conversation—and if you’ve already started, check that your plan still reflects what matters most to you.

04/15/2026

BCEHS emergency medical call takers and dispatchers play a vital role in 911 emergency medical responses.

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, BCEHS dispatch staff want you to know that in a medical emergency the information you provide is important to ensuring the right help gets to the right location.

Watch this video for advice from an emergency medical dispatcher.

04/15/2026

04/14/2026

It’s National Medical Laboratory Week, a time to celebrate the vital role lab professionals and pathologists play in our health care system.

🔬 Each year nearly three million glass slides are produced in BC.

🔬 Across Canada, more than 1.2 million lab tests are performed every day.

📋 70 per cent of medical decisions rely on lab results.

🥼 Behind every diagnosis and treatment plan, there’s a lab professional making it possible.

💖 A heartfelt thanks to all the lab professionals working behind the scenes to support patient care.

04/11/2026

Kidney disease often shows no early signs. But the earlier we find it, the better.

🩺 Talk to your doctor about kidney screening.

Learn more at kidneyhealthcheck.ca. 💧