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January 17, 2011VANCOUVER, BC – They make sure the water we drink and the food we eat are safe. They ensure businesses such as spas, salons and tattoo shops are taking the proper steps to prevent the spread of infections. They monitor our public pools and hot tubs for cleanliness and safety, and they’re on the scene during disasters like floods, fires and storms to monitor water supplies and air quality, and to ensure that health hazards are controlled. They are Environmental Health Officers and they play an important role in protecting the health and safety of the general public. In recognition of their work, January 17 to 25 will be recognized as Environmental Public Health Week across Canada. “Much of the work done by VCH’s Environmental Health Officers happens behind-the-scenes,” said Dr. Patricia Daly, Chief Medical Health Officer, VCH. “During the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, for instance, VCH’s Environmental Health Officers were highly acclaimed and recognized because of the exceptional work they did to ensure visitors and residents alike had a healthy, safe experience at the games.” Vancouver Coastal Health has 84 Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of our residents. Last year, VCH’s health officers conducted more than 8,000 restaurant inspections (including re-inspections). EHOs also inspected 500 drinking water systems, 1,600 personal service establishments, and more than 1,000 recreational water facilities within VCH jurisdictions. EHOs also investigate public health or nuisance complaints and outbreaks to ensure that the public remains safe and healthy. They also provide education on such topical issues as tobacco control, infection control, food safety, and recreational water facilities maintenance. The core services provided by EHOs are:
In partnership with governments, businesses and community agencies, environmental health officers regularly conduct investigations, gather evidence and exercise progressive enforcement. To get the job done they use wide-ranging skill sets that include microbiology, risk assessment, environmental science and technology. Environmental Public Health Week was established in 2003 by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors to highlight the important work done by Environmental Health Officers every day. “Safeguarding Your Everyday Lives” is this year’s theme. For more information on Environmental Public Health Week 2011, please visit the website of Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors at www.ciphi.ca VCH is responsible for the delivery of $2.9 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities, including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. MEDIA CONTACT: Trudi Beutel
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