THe CLINIC

Our Medical Clinic in Scotch Creek needs community involvement. Within the IHA system, I do not know of another unincorporated (rural) area with a Clinic supported by its community. What sets us apart from other communities? I say it is our dedication and involvement with the natural attraction of the area. We can offer an attraction to medical professionals that will be a benefit to all of BC. If we could come up with a plan, a system, to maintain our clinic, we would be the first- and possibly, if successful, a template for other rural areas, to use. If properly done, we could offer an efficient (both in costs & services), community driven health care service.
Your involvement, your time and your ideas no matter how small or big, are needed. We need a team, group, organization or society. The group would deal with keeping the Medical Clinic, with keeping Doctors and assistant staff. That in its self is a tall order, however I see it as a necessity because there are many reasons to have a clinic in the North Shuswap, not just because we have a need and people.
The vision is foggy and I need your help to make it clear. This organization would secure what the medical priorities for the North Shuswap are. They could be a contact and promoter of a improved healthy community and they could arrange funds for equipment and medical personal to contribute to a more efficient medical service. The medical system is complicated and there needs to be a way to tease out how IHA, the staff and the professionals inter-relate to give use service. Advocates for the North Shuswap could put this in layman's terms. There would be funding needed that would supply the Clinic with a variety of things, as well to keep it viable and attractive to medical personal.
It is true that we already pay for medical services in our taxes and so many other ways. This is exactly the reason IHA has a difficulty to support this clinic. They are stretched beyond what was expected for our medical system. With all the critical needs in BC why should they spend those dollars in a small rural area? It is why they are asking me, that if in the past the North Shuswap supported the Scotch Creek Medical Clinic; would they now again show a partnership in keeping the clinic running? An infusion of $4,000 is needed, to help pay for computers, software and storage, among other office things - from the North Shuswap residents. I will be asking for support from local community groups to help offset these costs.
Up to now I have been one of the main liaisons to keep the Clinic going. The Medical Clinic is far too important to be left in this precarious position. Come December I will be gone. A group representing and advocating the Clinic and health needs to be formed as soon as possible. Contact me and I will help get this interesting and vital group going.