As Shoreline Medical Society approaches its ninth year, the team is sharing efforts to support healthcare on the Saanich Peninsula.
First, on an encouraging note, here’s an example of the notes they receive about obtaining a primary care provider:
“My husband and I lost our doctor when he retired several years ago. After being waitlisted at Shoreline, we were partnered with a young doctor who has provided us with exceptional, attentive, and empathic care.”
Since 2016, Shoreline has worked to recruit primary care providers. They have received vital support, including a loan from the Town of Sidney, which has been fully repaid, as well as donations from Shoreline’s patients and supporters, and from the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation.
Shoreline’s model is attractive for primary care providers who care for patients and provide community service. They have recruited 21 doctors and two nurse practitioners. Shoreline has also served as a trial site for the introduction of allied health staff, giving patients enhanced care. Finally, most of their doctors provide care in the Saanich Peninsula Hospital’s Doctor of the Day program, or Shoreline’s Youth Clinic.
Patients have shared just how important that care is:
“Last year my wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. She did not have any symptoms, so it came as a complete surprise. If it hadn’t been for the quick action of her Shoreline Medical physician, I’m not sure she would have received the treatment she desperately needed. Shoreline Medical saved her life, and I am truly grateful.”
"I will be forever grateful to Shoreline Medical. I had not had a doctor for six years. I put my name on the website and waited... and waited. Then in June 2023 I had a massive excruciating headache. I knew the symptoms of a stroke, and I had none of them, or so I thought. After a week of trying to get medical assistance, I finally received prompt, knowledgeable and compassionate care. I was diagnosed as having had a hemorrhagic stroke. Thanks to excellent care, from both Dr. Smith and SPH, I was back to normal within weeks.”
"These kind and uplifting messages reinforce just how important Shoreline’s work is for us all," says Andrea Lewis, Chair, Shoreline Medical Society.
While problems exist throughout Canada, here, community members are working together to create change.
"But there’s so much to do. We need more doctors so everyone in our community has the care they need," Lewis says. "And we need to ensure that our young people have youth-focused primary and mental health care! Please help us grow."
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