health

In general, Kimberley residents are healthy and value the community’s quality of life and recreational opportunities. Access to a wide array of health and social services within the community is fundamental and must be planned for.

As a result of cutbacks in funding for programs, services and facilities from senior levels of government, meeting changing needs presents a considerable challenge. As a result, the City took a lead role in the acquisition of the Kimberley and District Hospital and converted the building into a comprehensive health centre bringing together a medical clinic with six physicians, Interior Health, X-ray and laboratory services, physiotherapy and other therapeutic services, health practitioners and a pharmacy all in one centrally located facility. Kimberley is also located near (30 minutes) the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH), a general hospital with numerous specialty services.

The East Kootenay Regional Hospital has four state-of-the-art suites where mothers give birth and room with their baby in the same place. Three obstetricians now practice out of the regional centre.

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers the cost of medically required services provided by physicians and supplementary health care practitioners, laboratory services and diagnostic procedures. All residents of B.C. must enroll with MSP.

PharmaCare provides financial assistance to B.C. residents for eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies. Further information on this program can be found at www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/pharme/index.html