Access to healthcare got a boost as the Community Healthcare System Support Playbook launched on June 11 at the Olympic View Golf Club.
The playbook is a collaboration between Thrive Social Services Society, Westplan Consulting Group, The B.C. Ministry of Health and led by the Saunders Family Foundation.
"This Playbook equips communities with the tools to address barriers within their control, creating an environment conducive to retaining and attracting the dedicated professionals who provide vital care," said Dave Saunders, executive director of the Saunders Family Foundation, in a press release.
It was developed alongside doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, local governments and business leaders and presents specific actions communities can take to ensure better access to healthcare services.
Additionally, the playbook mentions specific actions communities can use to ensure health services for all:
- Providing childcare support for healthcare workers' families;
- Improving transportation access to healthcare facilities;
- Facilitating the procurement of clinic space;
- Coordinating healthcare support programs with local businesses;
- Improving municipal policies.
"Our healthcare system and its workers are facing immense pressures, and we cannot rely solely on provincial and federal efforts to address those that are in the purview of local governments and communities, such as housing or childcare," Saunders said.
The province's Ministry of Health has committed $200,000 towards the development of the playbook and supported a province-wide roll of the playbook.
“Our government has made significant progress in attracting and retaining healthcare workers in B.C. through the implementation of the Health Human Resources Strategy - we know we need to continue this work to address ongoing healthcare workforce shortages,” said Minister of Health Adrian Dix.
The initiative does not offload responsibility from the government to provide healthcare but empowers communities to address healthcare concerns, said Valerie Nicol, principal consultant for the Community Healthcare System Support project.
"Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and we invite local leaders, from government to business owners, to implement this project according to their local needs, ultimately ensuring a resilient healthcare system for generations to come," Nicol said.
To download the playbook please visit https://healthywestshore.ca/playbook/.
