What Services Do We Need?

What services do we currently have?

• We have one physician working 4 days per week and 1 physician working 2 mornings per week
• We have 24 hour ambulance services and 24 on call water taxi service
• Financially restricted access to community health services
• Seniors once weekly morning group
• Caring Circle Health Resource Centre providing information and access to health services
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapist (private practice)
• Other wellness practitioners

What are the gaps in services?

• There are days during the week when no physician is on island
• Minimal or variable weekend or after hours medical support
• No VCH health support programs (stroke, heart and other rehabilitation services)
• No medical clinic
• No ferry access from 10 p.m. – 5:30 a.m.
• Limited bus service, minimal considerations for handicap ferry access

What can we do to improve health services on Bowen?

• improve primary care physician coverage
• explore physician recruitment
• encourage improved transportation initiatives i.e. our driver program
• advocate with Vancouver Coastal Health for improved services on Bowen
• support the Caring Circle Resource Centre and it’s co-ordinator position which provide health leadership and advocacy
• advocate with BC Ferries and Bowen Island Municipality to improve handicap access