Virtual care makes it possible for patients to have greater access to care and to receive that care closer to home, reducing the burdens of monetary expense, travel time and the stress related to these factors. Technology applications such as Zoom, FaceTime, and the BC Virtual Visit solution supported by Island Health, are commonly used platforms that enable secure consultations between health care providers and their patients. Delivery of clinical care and distance education for patients and providers via virtual care has seen a rapid increase in recent years and supports both primary care and specialty services including mental health, oncology, and geriatric medicine, to name just a few.
The Thetis Island Community Association has created a private space within the Forbes Hall Community Centre where residents of Thetis Island can connect to their virtual care appointments. This space will be of particular benefit for individuals with poor internet connectivity, or those for whom technology at home is a challenge. The Health Care space is private and is equipped with a computer for those without access to their own device. When Virtual Care is an option, consider the convenience of staying on Thetis versus traveling to your Medical Practitioner or Specialist.
Members of TICA’s Forbes Hall Health Services Group have collaborated with Island Health in reviewing the recommended virtual care room guidelines for privacy, security, and patient safety as part of the development of this new Health Care space. A Volunteer Attendant will assist clients with accessing the room and its equipment.
The room is available for Virtual visits on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, based on availability.
TICA’s Forbes Hall Health Services Group is eager to increase access to care via the use of virtual care services. We invite healthcare providers to consider the use of virtual care when connecting to patients in our community, and we encourage residents to consider using the space for consultations.
All links can be accessed at the top right of the thetisposts.ca webpage.
If you would like more information regarding access to the space, you may contact members of the Forbes Hall Health Services Group, or email health@forbeshall.ca .
Sincerely,
Ann Dickie
for TICA’s Forbes Hall Health Services Group
Shirley Burr, Jeannine Caldbeck, Ann Dickie, Kathleen McGarvey, David Reay, and Michelle Sutter