Princeton Health Care Steering Committee Report

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July 27, 2018

Submitted by Edward Staples, Princeton Health Care Steering Committee

On Tuesday, July 17 , the Princeton Health Care Steering Committee (PHCSC) held its monthly meeting at Princeton General Hospital. The PHCSC was formed in 2013 to provide a mechanism for Interior Health, the Town of Princeton, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Cascade Clinic, Princeton General Hospital, and community organizations to work together to support stable, sustainable and accessible health care in Princeton.

This month’s meeting was attended by representatives from the Town of Princeton, Area H (RDOS), Cascade Medical practitioners, Princeton General Hospital staff, Interior Health, BC Ambulance Services, Princeton and District Community Services, Princeton Family Services, RCMP, the Princeton community, and Support Our Health Care (SOHC). The meeting was chaired by Interior Health administrator, Susan Brown.

The following are communication points from the meeting:

  • Jim Bruce is the new Area H (RDOS) representative, replacing Sandra Lawlor who resigned her position on the committee; the Steering Committee thanks Lawlor for her contributions in support of the committee’s activities
  • Jim Bruce made a presentation on issues pertaining to the pharmaceutical needs of new people coming to Princeton (see attached); Dr. Van Der Heide will take the information forward to see about posting on the Cascade Clinic Website (www.cascadeclinic.ca)
  • Dr. Van Der Heide provided information on the waiting list for people wanting attachment to a practitioner; there is an application form available at Cascade Clinic
  • the Princeton Community Paramedicine program provides a bridge to health servicedelivery gaps in the community, identified in collaboration with our local primary care team. Our Community Paramedics have become an integral part of our community- based team of health service providers. People interested in accessing their services can contact the Princeton Home Health Nurse at 250-295-4442.
  • in response to queries from local residents about Princeton’s Alzheimer’s support group, the following information is provided:
    • support for Alzheimer’s caregivers is provided through the Caregiver Support Group run by Jennifer Clement, Home Health Social Worker
    • the group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month giving support for people providing home care to loved ones with declining abilities
    • no referral is necessary; to participate in the group, caregivers can contact Jennifer Clement by phoning 250-295-4464

• the BC Alzheimer’s Society in Penticton would like to start a separate Alzheimer’s support group in Princeton and is looking for volunteer help. If interested, local residents can contact Jennifer Clement at the number above