Sector Overview
Health care is an important sector in the Central Okanagan with two distinct sector forms: health care services provided by Interior Health Authority, non-profit and for-profit healthcare businesses; and research and development. Providing a wide range of integrated health care programs and service The Interior Health Authority is the hub of health care for the Central Okanagan. Interior Health's services include in-hospital as well as a wide variety of other important services including:
- Prevention and Health Promotion
- Home and Community Care
- Residential Care
- Mental Health and Substance Use
- Environmental Safety & Public Health Protection
- Lab and Diagnostic Imaging Services
Industry Highlights
- 8% of the region's workforce is employed in the health sector
- Interior Health Authority supports a population of 730,000 with an annual budget of $2.3 billion
- Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) is the site of the University of British Columbia's Medical School Clinical Academic Campus - a critical physician training facility
- 44 medical facilities provide diverse and specialized care
- Partnerships with the tech secctor have resulted in new technology applications in the health field including QHR Technologies electronic medical record platform
- Talent pipeline supported by responsive public post-secondary institutions and directed regional attraction and retention initiatives
Employment Information
8% of the region's workforce is employed in the health sector
- Employment Data
- Wage and Salary Information
| Central Okanagan | Health |
|---|---|
| Total Business | 1,485 |
| W/O Employees | 753 |
| W Employees | 732 |
| 1-4 | 482 |
| 5-9 | 122 |
| 10-19 | 80 |
| 20-49 | 24 |
| 50-99 | 12 |
| 100-199 | 5 |
| 200-499 | 3 |
| 500+ | 1 |
| NOC | Median Central Okanagan Wage | Median Wage British Columiba |
|---|---|---|
| 3142 - Physiotherapists | $37.00/HR | $37.00/HR |
| 3143 - Occupational Therapists | $38.42/HR | $38.42/HR |
| 3211 - Medical Laboratory Technologists | $32.05/HR | $32.05/HR |
| 3213 - Animan Health Techologist and Veterinary Technicians | $20.50/HR | $20.50/HR |
| 3214 - Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists and Cardiopulmonary Technologists | $33.00/HR | $33.00/HR |
| 3215 - Medical Radiation Technologists | $34.50/HR | $34.50/HR |
| 3233 - Licensed Practical Nurses | $25.75/HR | $27.00/HR |
| 3234 - Paramedical Occupations | $26.78/HR | $26.78/HR |
| 3222 - Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists | $41.00/HR | $41.00/HR |
Competitive Advantages
- State of the art hospital facilities KGH in Kelowna
- Highly-skilled and qualified local workforce
- Talent pipeline supported by responsive public post-secondary institutions and directed regional attraction and retention intitiatives
- Top university and college research facilities supporting industry development
- BC provides a suite of provincial tax credits and exemptions to encourage business investment and innovation. A summary of credits can be found in the Health Sector Profile
