This Primary Health Care Organization was developed through the Primary Health Care Transition Funds to integrate a Primary Health Care (PHC) nurse with a group of family physicians to enhance services to the rural-remote communities of Port McNeill, Kingcome and Gilford.
One of the main strengths of this program comes from the key partnerships the PHC nurse has within the local communities, such as the Promising Babies program, Women’s Health working group, and the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
The PHC nurse is part of a fly-in team that visits Kingcome and Gilford villages twice a month. A rotating roster of health care professionals offers services closer to home for these First Nations communities.
Recently, the PHC nurse has started offering group visits in conjunction with the family physician and dietician. Clients have been brought together for discussions about chronic health concerns (i.e. hypertension, diabetes).
In addition, the PHC nurse has facilitated a link with regional VIHA programs through telehealth (i.e. Regional Pain Program, Kidney Care Clinic).