I hope this finds you safe and well! These fires have certainly taken their toll on people across the province, and certainly our hearts and thoughts go out to all affected. Firefighters, first responders and health care professionals all responding and so committed to keeping people safe. The difficulties in fighting the fires, helping and supporting those displaced, and moving patients and clients from acute care hospitals and long-term care is daunting. It has been done exceptionally well across the province! Kudos and many heartfelt thanks to all!
Here at the Network, our work on our initiatives continues!
As we have mentioned previously, we have a contractual relationship with Hope Air to provide information about their much-needed services. I’d like to give a quick personal comment about Hope Air. I am aware of a situation where someone struggling financially, and the cost of attending a necessary appointment would be putting a great strain on the family. On checking with Hope Air, the accommodation and food vouchers are able to be supplied. This is a great relief to the family, and taking some of the worry out of this already stressful situation. We are very pleased to be affiliated with such a wonderful support for rural residents. We are delighted to have Hope Air as our Member of the Month!
Phoebe and Paul continue to work hard at the contracts with not only Hope Air, but also the BC Association of Community Health Centres, and the BC United Way Emergency Response and Preparedness grant. This, in addition with working with Dr Jude Kornelsen on the Gap Analysis Research, media interviews, community engagement keeps them pretty busy!
I would encourage you to participate in the survey! The research being done is important so that the solutions we propose are based on the needs of the rural communities from their perspective. We are very lucky to have people who are so dedicated to furthering the BCRHN goal to provide positive solutions based on rural research to gain health equity. Saying that, I would also mention that if you have the opportunity to speak with Phoebe about health care in your communities, it would be a very good investment of your time. She is very easy to talk to and a great listener!
The Implementation Committee met in early August and the next Policy Paper on Rural Surgery Enhancements has been initiated. I am always so appreciative of these meetings and the members of the committee. I always leave wiser and energized!
On a further note, Paul and I are very pleased that we will be meeting with the Minister of Health Adrian Dix in September to discuss solutions and seek answers on questions previously raised through our ongoing correspondence with the Ministry of Health. We will be reporting back in the October edition if not sooner!
As you can see we have a new look! The Marketing Committee were so pleased to meet with Marketing Specialist, Larry Taylor, to discuss ideas to update the BCRHN brand. Although the logo that has been used has served us well since our inception, it was felt that we also wanted to recognize our growth as an organization. The Board believes that Larry was able to design a logo to represent the pan-provincial strength of our membership working together. Larry’s ideas were presented at the last Board of Directors and the new logo was passed. Sincere thank you to Larry for all his work!
So those are my highlights of the last month. I know that Paul’s Executive Director report will have lots more information so enjoy his report and indeed the rest of the newsletter!
September is always such a busy-time with school starting but please take time to enjoy the last of the warm weather, and stay safe!
Only the best!
Peggy
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