Provincial Health Services Authority - PHSA

02/12/2026

When one of the PHSA Communications team recently tried cervix screening, she decided to document her experiences. Here’s her story.

💬

I’m in my early 30s and live in Squamish, where I spend as much time outside as possible. I’ve always been proactive about my health, so when my doctor called me back in to discuss the results, I didn’t think too much of it. The test indicated I should get a Pap which showed abnormal cells and led to a referral for a colposcopy at the hospital.

The colposcopy itself was quick and painless. The doctor explained that I’d hear back about whether I would need a LEEP procedure (to remove abnormal or precancerous tissue from the cervix) and sent me home with a pamphlet. It was super helpful – but reading through it was the first time I felt a wave of discomfort and nerves. Even though I knew logically that this was all preventative, I couldn’t help worrying if I’d need the procedure.

And I did.

I built it up in my head a lot. The pamphlet outlined what to expect afterward (the potential cramping, discharge, aftercare), and it stressed me out. But when the day came for my LEEP, my doctor and nurse were so kind and reassuring, helping me feel more at ease.

I won’t pretend the procedure was comfortable – it wasn’t – but it was also quick, about ten minutes from start to finish, and surprisingly not painful. The local anesthetic was the worst part, but that pain passed quickly. I’ve had period cramps that were more intense.

The aftercare was honestly more annoying than anything else – mainly because I had to use pads instead of tampons, which are not my favourite. But that was it. And now I have the peace of mind that those precancerous cells won’t have the chance to become something more serious.

I’m sharing this because I’ve heard so many friends say that Pap tests are uncomfortable and that they’ve been putting it off. But cervix self-screening was fast, private and easy. Each step after happened quickly, I felt cared for throughout, and the discomfort was nothing compared to what a future cancer diagnosis could bring.

My advice? Do it! You might prevent cervical cancer from developing.

Request a kit: screeningbc.ca/cervix.

02/11/2026

British Columbians grieve with Tumbler Ridge and hold the families and friends suffering loss and affected by the terrible tragedy close in our hearts.

If you need support:

310-Mental Health Support: 310-6789
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
FoundryBC.ca

02/11/2026

Please read this important message from BC Emergency Health Services regarding the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge.

"Our deepest condolences are with everyone impacted by today’s horrific events in Tumbler Ridge. We are thinking of all the victims, families, community members, first responders and health-care workers who are affected by this tragedy. In this time of profound sorrow, we are wishing the community comfort and peace.

"BC Emergency Health Services received an initial call at 1:22 p.m. Multiple resources were dispatched including ground ambulances with primary care paramedics, an advanced care paramedic, two air ambulances with critical care paramedics, and the BCEHS Clinical Operations Area Director for the region. Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to two patients who were transported by air ambulance to hospital, one in critical condition, and one in serious but stable condition. Paramedics also provided care and assessment to a number of other people at the scene who did not require hospital transport.

"Additional services have been and continue to be offered through the Provincial Health Services Authority’s Disaster Psychological Support (DPS) team, a part of the Health Emergency Management BC (HEMBC) program. DPS was engaged as the incident was unfolding and remains available to reinforce local supports in Tumbler Ridge being offered through both the school district and RCMP Victim Services.

"We commend all the paramedics, RCMP members, health-care professionals and others who courageously responded to this event. We will be doing everything we can to provide our employees who were directly involved with this response all the support they need.” – Paramedic Public Information Officer Brian Twaites

02/11/2026

Immunization schedules tell you which vaccines you should get and at what age. They have been developed using the best available science on vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

In Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) looks at all the scientific evidence on vaccines, including how well they work and how safe they are. NACI then makes recommendations on how vaccines should be used.

Each province and territory in Canada uses NACI recommendations and other key factors to create their own vaccination schedule. Other factors considered include:

• How common a disease is in different places

• How common a disease is among different groups of people

• How serious a disease is for those people

• How well vaccines work and for how long

• Possible side effects of vaccines

• How easy it is for people to access health care where they live

Provinces and territories make their own funding decisions around health care, so some vaccines may be publicly funded in some places but not in others.

Find BC’s immunization schedules on HealthLink BC at healthlinkbc.ca

02/10/2026

Planning to visit someone giving birth at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre?

Family is welcome to visit 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. before birth and noon - 2 p.m. or 6 - 9 p.m. after birth.

After birth, one dedicated family member/support person may stay with the new parent 24 hours a day to help with personal or baby care.

Special requests can be made to the charge nurse. Please limit the number of visitors at any one time.

02/07/2026

The BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank, located at BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre in Vancouver, has operated continuously since 1974 and has helped thousands of babies and children.

Milk from a baby’s own parent is always the first choice. When their milk isn’t available, donor milk is the next best thing. Donor milk has active beneficial properties and is similar to a parent's own milk. It provides babies with antibodies to fight disease and infection. Human milk is best for all babies. It is especially important for sick and very tiny babies.

The demand for milk is high and often exceeds supply. New donors are always needed.

Visit bcwomens.ca for more information.

02/06/2026

You can receive free and confidential coaching from experts to help you plan the next steps on your journey to quit smoking ci******es, va**ng or using ni****ne products.

Visit quitnow.ca to schedule a free coaching call or sign up for text tips to motivate you along the way. You can also ask your health care provider or pharmacist about medication options available through the BC smoking cessation program.

02/05/2026

“I went into preterm labour at 30 weeks and had to be rushed to Surrey Memorial Hospital from Ridge Meadows Hospital. My paramedics, Brittany and Lindsey, were amazing and got me there in record time. My husband and I will be forever grateful for your part in saving our daughter’s life.”

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

02/04/2026

With the ongoing toxic drug crisis, BCEHS paramedics want to remind everyone that using drugs alone is never safe. If you are using substances, consider taking these safety steps:

✅Have someone sober with you and not using same substance
✅Carry a naloxone kit and know how to use it
✅If you do use alone, download the LifeguardConnect app, which can alert BCEHS dispatch centres to a possible overdose.

If you witness an overdose or drug poisoning, call 911 immediately. BCEHS emergency medical call takers can give you lifesaving advice while paramedics and first responders are en route.

02/03/2026

There has been a recent increase in drug poisonings across BC. New substances in the unregulated drug supply are putting people who use substances at greater risk.

The BCCDC’s Harm Reduction and Substance Use Services Team is warning the public that opioids like fentanyl are now often mixed with medetomidine, a potent sedative. It causes low heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and prolonged sedation. It can sometimes cause sleepiness or unconsciousness, which increases the risk of a drug poisoning event.

Because of this, BCCDC issued a province-wide alert last week. You can sign up for drug alerts by texting the word JOIN to 253787 (ALERTS).

Learn more at towardtheheart.com/alerts

01/31/2026

BCEHS paramedics and dispatch staff want to remind everyone to take steps to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

✅Ensure your vaccines are up to date
✅Clean your hands regularly with soap and water
✅Cough and sneeze into your elbow
✅Wear a mask when you are sick or as personal choice
✅Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose
✅If you feel unwell, avoid contact with people at higher risk of serious illness
✅Stay home when you are sick

01/29/2026