01/19/2026
Congratulations to the physicians and nurses from the Campbell River BiRCH Clinic for being awarded the 2026 BC Quality Award from Health Quality BC (HQBC).
Learn more about the clinic here: https://tinyurl.com/6tum9kdf
DYK that heart disease is the number one preventable cause of death for Canadian women? And that there’s a greater risk of having heart disease or a stroke for women who have experienced pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, placental abruption, premature births, or very small babies?
Island Health doctors have launched B.C.’s first Birth-Related Cardiovascular Health (BiRCH) Clinic at Campbell River Hospital! This innovative clinic focuses on providing preventative care for postpartum women who are at higher risk of cardiovascular events.
The Campbell River BiRCH team has been recognized with a 2026 BC Quality Award from Health Quality BC (HQBC) for their outstanding work. Dr. Kask, a key member of the team, has also shared the clinic’s data and benefits at major conferences, both locally in Vancouver and internationally at a healthcare forum in Australia!
In the fall of 2024, a BiRCH clinic was launched at West Coast General Hospital, thanks in part to Island Health nurse Glenda Bertolucci, who had this to say:
“I really care about proactive care versus reactive care, and one of the highlights of the BiRCH Clinic is thinking down the road of what you could be preventing. The education and lifestyle-change support offered through the BiRCH Clinic can help positively shape the lives of women and their families.”
Learn more about these clinics, people benefiting from these services and the amazing teams running them, here: https://www.islandhealth.ca/news/news-releases/island-healths-innovative-birch-clinic-puts-heart-health-first-moms
~ Team Josie
