City councillor Charlie Hodge recovering in Kelowna General Hospital ICU

KELOWNA – City councillor Charlie Hodge is recovering in the intensive care unit of Kelowna General Hospital after major reconstructive surgery to his jaw.

His wife Teresa Hodge said in a Facebook post earlier today that Hodge is “still a ways away “ from leaving the ICU after the surgery Oct. 25.

Hodge announced two weeks ago he would be facing a lengthy surgery from six to 11 hours when surgeons would remove a length of his tibia to use as graft material to rebuild his jaw.

At the time, Hodge said predictions were he would be in the ICU for as long as two weeks and would need a post-operative tracheotomy and feeding tube during recovery.

Teresa thanked the hundreds of well-wishers flooding both their Facebook accounts for their love and support.

The two-term councillor was first elected in 2008 and again in 2014.

Despite his absence, Kelowna council on Monday appointed Hodge to a director’s position on the Central Okanagan Regional District board.

Population increase in Kelowna means the city must add an additional board member's position by November 9, 2017.

Hodge was already serving as alternate director. The new appointment entitles Hodge to an additional $15,000 in pay.

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