B.C. launches virtual cardiac rehab program
Vancouver Watch
In a B.C. first, cardiac rehab can now be accessed virtually through a program at Vancouver General Hospital.
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CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Not all Alberta babies are eligible for early measles shot, worrying Calgary mom
A Calgary mother is urging the Alberta government to make an early measles vaccine dose available to babies in all parts of the province as outbreaks grow. And several doctors are calling for this too. Alberta's total measles case count had surged to 1,078 as of midday Wednesday. "This is such an awful time to have a new baby," said Shanaya von Scheel, who has a seven-month-old son, Viggo. "It's really hard when you have this in the back of your mind — 'Am I making the right choice for my baby? Am I keeping him safe enough? What more can I be doing?'" Young babies are at high risk for complications due to measles and von Scheel has avoided taking her son to busy places, such as malls. The province is offering an early and extra dose of the vaccine to babies as young as six months old who are living in the hardest hit south, central and north zones. This is in addition to the routine immunization schedule which recommends two doses — one at 12 months and the other at 18 months. But, as von Scheel found out when she initially asked about getting the early shot for her baby, it is not being offered in the Calgary and Edmonton zones. "I don't understand this playing catch-up. I think we should be as proactive as possible," she said. "I don't know if it's a resource problem or a money problem. But I think that if parents are wanting to vaccinate their child early we should be able to do that." And von Scheel worries with Stampede coming there will be more people traveling into Calgary, increasing the risk the virus will spread even further. Two new measles cases were reported in Calgary on Wednesday, bringing the total, since the outbreaks began in March, to 22. There have been nine confirmed cases in the Edmonton zone. Babies who will be traveling to areas where measles is spreading, including parts of Ontario and Alberta's south, central and north zones, are eligible for the extra dose. Von Scheel said she ended up getting her son vaccinated after discussing travel plans with a public health nurse. Provincial data shows the south zone has confirmed 705 cases, the central zone has 105 and there have been 237 in northern Alberta. Health officials have warned the virus is likely spreading undetected in those areas and actual case counts are probably higher as a result. Babies high risk Mothers who are immune pass along antibodies during pregnancy but that immunity wanes within months, leaving infants vulnerable to infection. Several doctors say they too believe the province should expand eligibility for the early dose to include babies living in all parts of the province. "Even though the numbers are small so far in Edmonton and Calgary, I think our turn is yet to come," said Dr. Joan Robinson, a pediatric infectious disease physician at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton. "So I think offering a dose of vaccine to younger children would be worthwhile." Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation — which can trigger seizures, deafness and brain damage — and even death. Infants are among the groups at highest risk for developing severe complications because their immune systems are more immature, according to Dr. Sam Wong, president of the pediatrics section with the Alberta Medical Association. "If I was the parent of a six-month-old or a 12-month-old I would be careful about where I took my child. And you can minimize risk by doing that," he said. Babies are also at higher risk of long-term complications, he said, including a rare but nearly always fatal neurological condition. "Why not give the [early] vaccination ... if the parents want it? Why can't they get it? he said. "They should be given the option of being allowed to get it if they are concerned or worried." Wong said he expects the province likely wants to ensure it has enough vaccine doses to deal with outbreak areas Widespread transmission The Alberta government does not intend to change the strategy at this time. In an emailed statement, an official with Primary and Preventative Health Services said transmission remains low in the Calgary and Edmonton zone, likely due to higher immunization rates. "To focus efforts where they will have the most impact, Alberta is prioritizing early-dose availability in zones experiencing active outbreaks and broader community spread. This approach aligns with national practices — jurisdictions like Ontario also offer early doses only in areas where measles is actively circulating," the statement reads in part. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our approach as needed, based on advice from public health officials." The early doses, given to infants between the ages of six and 11 months, offer short-term protection in areas with widespread transmission, according to the province. But they do not replace the routine two doses needed for long-term protection. Meanwhile, Robinson believes there will eventually be enough cases in Calgary and Edmonton that the province will need to offer the extra dose to babies living in those areas. "A year ago the risk of getting measles infection in Alberta was almost zero. Now the risk goes up and up every day."
CTV News
5 hours ago
- CTV News
B.C. launches virtual cardiac rehab program
Vancouver Watch In a B.C. first, cardiac rehab can now be accessed virtually through a program at Vancouver General Hospital.
Globe and Mail
6 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
MHCare demands AHS investigation results
A medical supply company in Edmonton is calling on the Alberta government to release a report the business believes could help clear its owner's name, which it argues has been sullied by allegations provincial officials interfered in the health care system to his benefit. MHCare Medical Corp., owned by Sam Mraiche, has asked the province and Alberta Health Services to distribute a report AHS commissioned in the fall of 2024. The health authority, under its former chief executive, hired Borden Ladner Gervais LLP to investigate deals for certain private surgical facilities, including two owned in part by Mr. Mraiche. The examination was later broadened to include MHCare and related entities. Mr. Mraiche and his companies are central to a wrongful dismissal lawsuit from the health authority's former CEO, Athana Mentzelopoulos, alleging government officials inappropriately leaned on her to sign deals she thought favoured private companies. MHCare notes Ms. Mentzelopoulos and AHS both reference the Borden Ladner Gervais investigation in their respective legal filings. MHCare, tied to allegations involving the Alberta government, says it is being unfairly attacked The allegations and political fallout have damaged Mr. Mraiche's reputation, MHCare says in a statement dated June 25 and provided to The Globe and Mail. The company argues the law firm's report could absolve Mr. Mraiche. 'At no point has the law firm's audit been shared with Mr. Mraiche, even though he continues to be subjected to baseless, harmful suggestions of wrongdoing – the accuracy of which, this audit might help to disprove," the statement says. MHCare argues there is no legal obligation to keep the law-firm report secret. MHCare's two-page statement was accompanied by a letter one of the company's lawyers sent the government and AHS, asking for the report. Borden Ladner Gervais, on behalf of the health authority, rejected the request, claiming solicitor-client privilege. Neither Mr. Mraiche nor MHCare are party to Ms. Mentzelopoulos's lawsuit, meaning they cannot file court documents defending themselves. The RCMP, Alberta's Auditor-General, and a retired Manitoba judge selected by Premier Danielle Smith, are conducting separate investigations into Ms. Mentzelopoulos's allegations. Mr. Mraiche's company says it has yet to be interviewed by the Office of the Auditor-General or the former Manitoba judge. 'This situation is profoundly unfair and unacceptable,' MHCare says in the statement. 'It leaves our CEO with no opportunity for public exoneration, even as media reports, innuendo, rumours and political attacks continue to linger.' Neither AHS nor the Premier's Office acknowledged a request for comment late Wednesday. It is unclear whether Borden Ladner Gervais finished its work. The government ordered AHS to halt its probe into private surgical facilities in December. An AHS summary of the law firm's findings, dated Jan. 10 and obtained by The Globe and Mail, says the health authority had not received a draft or final report related to the facilities owned in part by Mr. Mraiche. Borden Ladner Gervais was scheduled to provide AHS with a report into MHCare's historical contracting on Jan. 31. The government, however, dissolved the AHS board that day. AHS and the government deny Ms. Mentzelopoulos's allegations, which she levelled as part of her $1.7-million lawsuit. In response, Alberta alleges she was fired for failing at her job. None of the allegations have been tested in court. MHCare also denies wrongdoing. 'No charge of misconduct against the company or our CEO has ever been made by the province, AHS or law enforcement,' its statement says.
