Nov 10 - Island Health hires its way to 2 more operational ORs

Good morning !

I remember many years as a reporter covering Remembrance Day at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Thousands standing silent, solemn and still.

Uniformed veterans, resplendent in their medals. The morning stillness eventually pierced by a rifle’s report, the sound of cannon fire and then, bagpipes. It was always very difficult to remain composed.

— Mark

Today’s approx. read time: 4.5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 10 / 8

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 11 / 8

Day after: 🌧️ 11 / 7

7-day forecast

NEWS

Island Health opens 2 more area operating rooms

After months of chronic staff shortages that have limited the number of operational operating rooms at Victoria’s two major hospitals, Island Health on Thursday announced the re-opening of an additional OR at both Victoria General Hospital (VGH) and Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) this month.

“More people will get the surgical procedures they need, as the focused efforts and enhanced recruitment initiatives Island Health committed to in the summer will enable operating rooms (ORs) to reopen,” the health authority said in a release.

The additional operating theatres actually opened Oct. 30, bringing the number of ORs available full-time to 20 of the 22 across the two facilities. Last month, 18 of the 22 were in operation.

The additional ORs will allow for 75 more operations to be performed this month, Island Health said.

“We’re working towards re-opening all ORs as quickly as possible,” an Island Health spokesperson told Capital Daily in an email. “As our aggressive recruitment campaign continues, we are hopeful to further increase OR capacity in the coming months.”

The health authority said over the last two months, it has hired nine registered nurses (RNs), with 11 more currently in the hiring process.

Patients who have had their surgeries postponed are being re-booked as quickly as possible, the spokesperson said.

“Island Health allocates OR time to surgeons, who then book patients according to medical need,” he said.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

Salt Spring Remembrance Day event location changed to Fulford-Ganges Road due to construction at Centennial Park. Tomorrow at 10:45am.

NEWS

Remembrance Day events this weekend

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, an important yearly occasion to stop to think about those who have fought for peace in Canada and beyond. 

While everyone is encouraged to take a moment of silence wherever they are, shortly after 11am, attending one of the many ceremonies throughout the CRD can offer a more impactful community experience.

From wreath-laying ceremonies and parades, to veteran meetups and concerts, there are several ways this weekend to show thanks to those who have fought for us.

Check out our full list of Remembrance Day events here.

EVENTS

Greater Victoria’s holiday craft market season begins

Nov. is the month for holiday craft markets, and many of them are kicking off today. These markets are the perfect place to see what Greater Victoria artisans, craft makers, and small businesses have to offer. Whether you are looking to do holiday shopping for loved ones or find some treats for yourself, these craft markets have everything from food and beverages to homemade goods and imports.    

Tasting Victoria has compiled a guide to 11 craft markets happening over the next month and where you can find them in Saanich, Esquimalt, downtown, the Gorge, Oaklands, Saanichton, and Metchosin.  

Check out Tasting Victoria's guide here.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🍕 Seal Point Pizza soft open today: The new pizzeria has taken over The Hive Eatery location on Fairfield.

🧠 New experiences can rewire the brain, helping to break unhelpful patterns and changing old ways of being in the world. Give yourself a new experience at Intertidal Counselling & Wellness.*

🍪 Cozy Christmas Food Tour: The tour of seven festive treats across downtown kicks off today. Until Dec 31.

😊 Now Hiring! Tenant Legal Advocate (Nanaimo) at Together Against Poverty Society.

🗞️ In Other News

COVID Outbreak at Saanich’s Peninsula Hospital 
As of yesterday, there were 15 confirmed cases, with the outbreak limited to a single unit, Island Health said. The health authority said people should not avoid seeking emergency care and can feel safe going to the facility. [CHEK]

Drug poisoning advisories issued for Vic, Nanaimo, Campbell River
Island Health issued the advisories following an increase in overdoses in those communities. The health authority reminds you if you are using alone, let someone know to mitigate the risk of overdose. Download Connect by Lifeguard, or call the National OD Response Service at 1 (888) 688-NORS(6677). 

Red-faced BC Greens delete deputy leader for online ‘like’
Sanjiv Gandhi has been removed as Sonia Furstenau’s adjutant after he ‘liked’ a social media post that compared Dr. Bonnie Henry to Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. Gandhi has since apologized. [CTV]

RCAF to conduct flypasts on Remembrance Day
Jets and choppers will fly overhead nine centres on the Island tomorrow, including Sidney, where a CH-148 Cyclone will blade-slap above, part of a national plan to fly military aircraft over Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada.

SPONSORED BY SOUTH ISLAND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP

Register now for COAST's holiday mixer

Ocean and marine industry professionals are invited to register for COAST's upcoming holiday mixer, Nov. 22 in Victoria. Join COAST, Canada's Ocean Supercluster, the Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate and Ocean Networks Canada for a night of networking and collaboration as we discuss the exciting opportunities within the blue economy.

🗓️ Things to do

A Night of White: Raise money for mental-health initiatives while enjoying a three-course meal, cocktails, and a performance by Kuba Oms. Delta Ocean Point Resort. Tomorrow. 6pm. [Info]

Edie Daponte & Friends: Get transported to the ’40s with a collection of hits from the Second World War era. Tonight. 7pm. [Info]

UVic Voice Ensemble: We'll meet again: A concert of reflection and remembrance featuring UVic School of Music voice students. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]

Emo Night at Lucky: Get out your skinny jeans and side bangs for this throwback night of Emo music. Tonight. 10pm. [Info]

Seaside Django Festival: Hear this lineup of Roma Swing roots music at Hermann’s Upstairs. Tonight. 8pm. [Info]

Ray Bonneville: See the Juno-winning performer at the Upstairs Lounge at Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]

Hyprov: See improv legend Colin Mochrie with hypnotist Asad Mecci in this unique show at the Charlie White Theatre, Friday-Sunday. 7:30pm. [Tickets]

Murder on Paper Street: This Agatha Christie-style improv show at Craigdarroch Castle is running this weekend and next, with today and tomorrow’s shows sold out.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Record orca sightings this year with 1,270 sightings in the Salish Sea, including 241 days of consecutive sightings. [Capital Daily] 

Victoria & Saanich amalgamation: The municipalities announce lead in citizens’ assembly to aid democratization of the decision. [Capital Daily] 

Thursday’s headlines: Island athletes win silver at Pan Am Games, Little Jumbo fined for serving minor, spike in avian flu, local lottery winner. [Nov. 9] 

Photo: Double rainbow across the water in Comox.

That’s it!

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