New program allows COVID-19 patients to stay home while in hospital care: B.C. fall/winter plan

“Admitted patients who meet the criteria will be offered 24/7 care at home rather than staying in a hospital, but remain under the direct care of the hospital,” explained Health Minister Dix. This program originated in Australia and has seen success in other areas across the globe. The program will first be rolled out at Victoria General Hospital before being introduced at other hospitals across the province.

“We need to increase the work that we are doing and we need to be prepared for what might come next.”—Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer

Heading into the influenza season Dr. Henry emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu. 450,000 additional doses of the flu shot have been purchased by the province for a total just under 2 million.

Henry says health officials do encourage British Columbians consider getting vaccinated this fall as influenza can easily spread and can impact youth and older people, potentially putting a bit of a strain on the health care system. Flu vaccines will be made available to all residents in long-term care facilities. The flu vaccine is available to anyone over six months of age.

“We’re looking to people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, particularly those who were employed in the hospitality industry. They understand service. They understand the importance of treating people as individuals and they know it’s essential to treat people with respect and dignity. Those critical core skills, with our specialized training, will provide them with a rewarding, well-paying career that will make a significant and positive impact on our health-care system and the seniors who rely on it.”—John Horgan, B.C. Premier

$44.1 million are being dedicated to launch the Health Career Access Program. The program will recruit an estimated 7,000 health-care workers in long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities throughout the province. The program will provide a path for approximately 3,000 applicants who may not previously have had health-care experience to receive on-the-job training. New hires in the program will start in a health-care support worker position and receive paid training that leads to full qualification as a health-care assistant.

Overall $1.6 billion are being invested into the Province’s fall and winter preparedness plan.

Photo Courtesy: Province of British Columbia, Flickr.

by Veronica Beltran

New program allows COVID-19 patients to stay home while in hospital care: B.C. fall/winter plan

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