On Thursday, Feb. 28 healthcare practitioners and community representatives met with Interior Health (IHA) to discuss the implementation of an improved and sustainable model of healthcare for Princeton and District. This consultation is an IHA initiative with active participation by members of the community and all healthcare practitioners, including Dr. Sandhu who will be joining our community in August. It is a direct result of cooperative work between the Town, RDOS, the Province, IHA, and our community over the past several months.
The working group recognizes that 24/7 ER is our primary community concern and accepts this as a necessity within the model. However, it also recognizes that to be successful and sustainable, the model requires a broader approach, acknowledging the unique needs of our community. This model will enhance our ongoing physician recruitment and retention efforts, provide support for local access to specialists (which will also address accessibility and transportation concerns), and integrated care for seniors. Our objective with this model is to present a complete package that deals with the full range of our community’s healthcare requirements.
The consultation will be facilitated by Valerie Tregillus who brings expertise in developing innovative health-care models, as the Executive Director for Primary Health Care for the BC Ministry of Health for nearly a decade from 2003-2011 and the current lead for the Inter-Divisional Strategic Council, working with the Divisions of Family Practice and Interior Health to expand partnerships between patients, physicians and the community.
The Town and RDOS are very optimistic about this initiative and are confident that this is not just “window dressing.” This process is moving forward with specific goals and timelines. We look forward to sharing information with the community as this important work continues.
