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The Interior Health Authority (IH) is the regional health board responsible for the southern interior of British Columbia. It covers a massive, diverse landscape—about 215,000 square kilometers (roughly the size of the United Kingdom)—serving over 800,000 people from the Okanagan to the Kootenays.
As of February 2026, here is what’s happening in the region:
1. Major Tertiary & Regional Hospitals
1. Major Tertiary & Regional Hospitals
Interior Health operates several key hubs that handle everything from specialized surgeries to trauma care:
Kelowna General Hospital (KGH): The largest hospital in the region and a major center for cardiac and neurosurgery.
Royal Inland Hospital (Kamloops): Home to the recently opened Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Tower. It is a high-level trauma center serving the Thompson-Nicola region.
Vernon Jubilee Hospital: A key regional hospital that recently expanded its inpatient capacity to handle the growing North Okanagan population.
Penticton Regional Hospital: Features the David E. Kampe Tower, which significantly modernized its surgical and outpatient services.
Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (Trail): A specialized center for oncology and stroke care in the West Kootenay.
2. Current 2026 Projects & Milestones
2. Current 2026 Projects & Milestones
Trail MRI Expansion: Construction officially began on February 2, 2026, for a new permanent MRI suite at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. This $36 million project will replace the mobile unit and double the hospital's scan capacity by 2028.
Cariboo Memorial Hospital (Williams Lake): Phase 1 of the massive redevelopment—a new three-story clinical addition—is on track for completion in 2026.
Kamloops Cancer Centre: This major project (partnered with BC Cancer) is moving through the final procurement stages, with construction activity ramping up this year.
Long-Term Care Expansions: Construction is currently underway on the replacement and expansion of the Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home in Cranbrook to increase beds for seniors.
3. Public Health & Community Alerts (Feb 2026)
3. Public Health & Community Alerts (Feb 2026)
Toxic Drug Alerts: IH issued a high-risk toxic drug alert for Penticton on Feb 3, 2026, due to high levels of medetomidine in local samples. Similar alerts were active in Kelowna and Cranbrook in late January.
Facility Outbreaks: As of early February, there are active RSV and respiratory outbreaks at some long-term care sites (including Cottonwoods in Kelowna and Village by the Station in Penticton).
Indigenous Health: IH works closely with the seven First Nations whose traditional territories make up the region, focusing on culturally safe care and hiring Indigenous Patient Navigators.
4. Essential Services & Access
4. Essential Services & Access
Urgent Care: For non-life-threatening issues that can't wait for a GP, use Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, and Penticton.
Advice: Dial 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) 24/7 to speak with a nurse.
Emergencies: For critical or life-threatening situations, always call 9-1-1.
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