New supports have been announced by the B.C. government to help people living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
The framework was developed through a partnership between the First Nations Health Authority, Northern Health and Provincial Health Services Authority and will help communities access critical health care to meet their needs during this pandemic.
“People living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have unique challenges in accessing the health care they need,” said Premier John Horgan. “This new collaborative framework will bring immediate relief to these communities, including a commitment to
moving patients to the critical care they need at a moment’s notice. This will help our work to stop the spread of COVID-19, while supporting better health outcomes into the future.”
The framework provides flexibility so local leaders in rural, remote and Indigenous communities can adapt it to meet their unique needs. It will be implemented through full engagement with each of the communities local leaders. Some of the improvements include, medical transportation options to larger centres, including flight and ambulance, housing options for people looking to self-isolate near their families while remaining in their home communities, new and faster testing technology, culturally safe contact tracing that respects privacy in small communities, access to Virtual Doctor of the Day and increased mental health support in communities.
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