Antibiotic Stewardship Program in the Capital Health Region of British Columbia

The Capital Health Region of British Columbia was formed on April 1, 1998 and comprises several partners covering Greater Victoria, and from Port Renfrew to the Saannich Peninsula and the southern Gulf Islands. Partners are the former Greater Victoria Hospital Society (Victoria General Hospital, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Gorge Road Hospital and Fairfield Health Centre), the former Juan de Fuca Hospital Society (Aberdeen Hospital, Priory Hospital, Glengarry Hospital and Mt Tolmie Hospital), the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, the Lady Minto Hospital (Salt Spring Island), Community and Public Health Services, and Mental Health Services. Demographics of the Capital Health Region are astounding. There are approximately 840 acute care beds and 3100 extended/long term care beds. Employees number nearly 10,000, and physicians with prescribing privileges, most of whom are general practitioners, number approximately 850. The present report outlines strategies promoting optimal antimicrobial use that were undertaken in the acute care setting of the Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals. While many of the principles were applied to acute care, they may also be applicable to extended care/long term care settings.