Seniors and those in the Thompson and South Cariboo can connect to health-care services in their communities as Interior Health announced a new 1-800 number to access and navigate home and community care and chronic disease management services, the health authority said in a press release.
The line was developed but Interior Health in response to feedback received from clients and the publix to more easily find access to services.
By caling the new number, 1-800-707-8550, residents can be connected to services in their area seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Interior Health noted the number was launched as a pilot project late 2020 in the South Okanagan region. Since then, it has expanded to the Kootenay Boundary, East Kootenay, Central Okanagan and the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Those calling the number will first reach a central intake office where they will be connected to the appropriate service, which include: care management services, such as community nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, support in the home for daily activities; palliative care services, such as community nursing, social work and hospice care; and acquired bran injury services.
The health authority stressed the 1-800 number does not replace existing contact numbers, including the Interior Health crisis line, for those affected by mental illness, other hospital or emergency services or 911.
Communities included in the Thompson-South Cariboo region are: Blue River, Vavenby, Clearwater, Little Fort, McLure, Barriere, Sun Peaks, Kamloops, Chase, Logan Lake, Clinton, Cache Creek, Ashcroft, Lillooet, Lytton, Merritt and surrounding areas.
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