Island Health Confirms 117 Job Cuts Under “Better Care, Better Value” Initiative

What’s Changing Under Island Health’s Restructuring Plan?

Island Health has confirmed that 117 positions have been eliminated as part of a broader provincial effort to restructure healthcare administration, according to reporting by CHEK News.

• These job cuts are part of the “Better Care, Better Value” initiative, which launched in early July and aims to reduce overhead and redirect funding toward frontline patient services.
• Affected roles include senior leadership and staff from completed internal projects.

Key Developments in the Initiative

• One vice-president role has been removed, with the People and Communications portfolios now managed by a single executive.
• Several executive director positions have been dissolved, affecting both contract and non-contract staff.
• The IHealth project team, which developed Island Health’s electronic health record system, has also been impacted. Island Health noted these roles are no longer needed as the project has been completed.

Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) Alignment

The PHSA has echoed similar changes, stating it is undergoing phased reductions in administrative leadership across its programs.

In a statement, PHSA said: “PHSA is in the process of making changes to our leadership and administrative structures… Once completed, [this] will have resulted in a reduction in the number of administrative leadership roles.”

Hiring remains on hold for most non-union and management positions not directly involved in delivering essential care.

SEE ALSO
• Elk Valley Resources Cuts 140 Jobs in BC
• Lululemon Cutting 150 Corporate Jobs, Store Support Centre Staff Affected
• Layoffs in Canada: Which Employers are Slashing Staff?

Next Steps for Island Health Staff

If you’re fired or let go from Island Health, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in BC are entitled to severance pay. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly.

The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

📺 WATCH: Everything Non-Unionized Employees Need to Know About Severance Pay in BC

Key Severance Facts:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free BC Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to 2 years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Lost Your Job at Island Health? Contact Us

If you’ve lost your job at Island Health for any reason, the experienced BC employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our employment lawyers in Vancouver have helped thousands of non-unionized employees get justice and full severance packages.

📞 Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.