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VANCOUVER – As part of the government’s wellness and prevention strategy to improve access to health care advice and information, Canada’s most comprehensive HealthGuide handbook is now available in French, Health Services Minister Colin Hansen announced today during the graduation of B.C.’s first class of French-speaking health care attendants.
“The new French handbook will give B.C.’s Francophone community improved access to practical health information, and is part of the BC HealthGuide program,” said Hansen. “This is a valuable resource for British Columbians that provides 24-hour health information and services, available at their fingertips. This innovative program helps ensure effective use of our health system and resources, while relieving pressures on physicians and emergency rooms.”
Government is developing new and creative ways to improve access to health care, helping British Columbians take steps to be aware of what they can do for their own health. Information is becoming increasingly available through a variety of new resources and translated versions, including the HealthGuide handbook, BC First Nations health handbook, a woman’s health handbook, and a seniors information guide.
“The French handbook responds to the needs and priorities identified by B.C.’s Francophone community,” said Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Richard Stewart, who also has government responsibility for Francophone Affairs. “The project is the result of strong partnerships developed by the Ministry of Health Services with Francophone communities and organizations, Francophone Affairs, Canadian Heritage, ResoSante Colombie-Britannique, and Health Canada.”
The HealthGuide handbook provides information on a range of health topics, including common health concerns, home treatment, chronic diseases, and illness prevention. The handbook is one component of the BC HealthGuide program, which also improves access to primary health services through a toll-free nurseline, extensive website, and health files or fact sheets available in French and other widely spoken languages in B.C.
To provide health information and advice on the telephone, BC NurseLine allows callers to speak with a registered nurse 24-hours, every day, to help identify symptoms and make decisions about their health. BC NurseLine’s pharmacist service also answers medication-related calls from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily. Translation services are available in over 130 languages, including French.
For more information on these resources and to order a free copy of the handbook, visit www.bchealthguide.org. For BC NurseLine and pharmacist services, call toll-free in BC 1-866-215-4700.
The BC HealthGuide Program is endorsed by the British Columbia Medical Association, the British Columbia College of Family Physicians, the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia, and the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.
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