Physicians on Haida Gwaii are working with Northern Health (NH) and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to establish a Haida Gwaii Community Health Table. The proposed initiative aims to bring together community leaders, health professionals, and representatives from Northern Health, FNHA, and local health centres to create a consultation and information-sharing platform.
The table is intended to address some of the pressing challenges in health care on Haida Gwaii and across northern B.C., including the rural healthcare crisis, hospital closures, and a lack of access to primary care for many residents.
“There is an unprecedented crisis in Canada’s rural health care workforce, which has led to hospital closures and a million British Columbians without primary care,” wrote Dr. Tracy Morton in an email to Masset council. “This table is one way we can come together to collectively address this for Haida Gwaii.”
Dr. Morton highlighted the historical role of local communities in health leadership, which was disrupted in 2002 when the creation of regional health authorities led to the disbanding of community health councils.
“This means that the input, ideas and resources of local communities are missing from the conversation on how to improve and support health care,” he said.
Dr. Morton noted that similar community health tables in other parts of northern B.C. have led to stabilized health care staffing and the development of innovative programs. These successes demonstrate the value of involving local leadership in addressing health care challenges.
To explore the proposal further, the table will host a Zoom meeting with one representative from each of Haida Gwaii’s communities. Masset council has elected Councillor Bret Johnston to represent the community in these discussions.
The Health Table initiative offers hope for a collaborative approach to solving the health care challenges faced by Haida Gwaii and other rural communities.