Creation of a business plan which identifies a ‘made in Sylvan Lake and area’ solution to identified gaps in medical services is being planned by the Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee.
“We will be focusing on the shared and expanded use of existing resources and the associated costs and staffing requirements,” stated an update issued last week by committee chair Susan Samson.
The committee is pleased to accept the redirection of donations that were collected by Annie Boychuk after the untimely passing of her husband, Brent, said Samson. “These monies will be used to finance the development of a professional business plan for an Urgent Care Centre for Sylvan Lake and area.”
“Our tragic story has touched the lives of many in this community and as far as Calgary, Ontario, Europe and beyond,” said Annie Boychuk. “We are very grateful to all who donated and continue in support of the desperate need of health care services here in Sylvan Lake. I know that by redirecting the money we have collected into the Urgent Care fund, we can strengthen our voice as a community. The province needs to know that we will not give up.”
The group has been busy in continuing its pursuit for improved medical services.
The committee has reviewed the recently released draft for Family Care Clinics (FCC) which outlines governance procedures, funding and staffing commitments. Committee member Dr. Brad Bahler spent considerable time reviewing the document and discussing it with other physicians an Primary Care Networks.
“At this time, the proposed governance structure is concerning to our doctors and the urgent care committee,” said Samson. “Certain components of the proposed structure which the committee considers essential, are excluded from program funding. Additionally, while the government is very clear about what is not funded under the proposed structure, what is funded is much less clear. We have identified our concerns in a letter to Health Minister Fred Horne that was copied to MLA Kerry Towle.”
Samson noted that the minister’s office confirmed, during a follow up phone call, that they will consider the committee’s comments.
“Minister Horne has always indicated that FCC will not be a ‘cookie cutter’ solution and each FCC will be customized to meet the needs of the community,” said Samson. That’s the reason for creating the business plan.
In February the committee received $12,256 from the Yuletide Festival which represented proceeds from the first ever, very successful Christmas event. The money is held with David Thompson Health Trust for future medical equipment purposes.
Sylvan Lake resident Heather Donald has been appointed to the David Thompson Health Advisory Board.
“Our concerns dealing with medical gaps in Sylvan Lake and area are well represented with Heather and the committee is excited to have a stronger representation on the advisory level,” said Samson’s update.
She encouraged residents to continue to show support for urgent care by writing to MLA Kerry Towle, Health Minister Fred Horne and Premier Alison Redford with the request to fund an urgent care centre.
Donations may be made online at www.davidthompsonhealthtrust.com or through cash boxes located in various locations in Sylvan Lake.