October

1925–2011
Dr Ken Morton, professor emeritus of orthopaedics at UBC, died suddenly on 13 August. 

BC physicians should be aware of the risk of waterborne infection in the province, particularly for immune-compromised individuals in communities with inadequately treated water supplies.

Cryptosporidium infection is of particular concern since it can cause severe disease in immune-compromised individuals and is not inactivated with chlorine. Conditions that in­crease the risk of severe Crypto­sporidium infection include:

You may have noticed the BCMA recently adopted a new look. It has been a decade since the BCMA logo was last refreshed, and for the most part the previous logo worked well and was a dramatic improvement over the one it replaced. However, the older version had its share of challenges, such as readability when reproduced in a smaller format and using the logo in less than full-color applications, as well as some other issues.

Peer Coaching, a program delivered by the Patient Voices Network, is now part of the Ministry of Health’s Prescription for Health initiative supporting family physicians in making referrals for patients seeking healthier lifestyles. Prescription for Health was developed by the Ministry in partnership with the BCMA’s General Practice Services Committee.

Studies show that a structured peer-support program can improve self-management skills, sustained behavior changes, and heightened self-esteem.

The BC Palliative Care Benefits Program allows patients to receive palliative care at home rather than be admitted to hospital. The program gives palliative patients access to the same drug benefits they would receive as if in hospital, and access to some medical supplies and equipment from their health authority.

The Pharmaceutical Services and Health Authorities Divisions of the Ministry of Health and palliative care physicians would like referring physicians to know that: