Northern Health is in the process of reviewing downtown Prince George health services with a focus on mental health and substance use programs and services including the HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (needle exchange) with the purpose of improving access, reducing duplication, improving the efficiency of services and to explore a service model with potential co-location opportunities.
The recent addition of an overdose prevention site downtown will be discussed, and the health services review will also include working with several community stakeholders and service partners. The review is already underway and when complete will provide Northern Health with information to develop actions that can be implemented in 2017.
The downtown health services review will include all health services provided by Northern Health; health services that Northern Health supports with staffing; and health services provided by other organizations through funding arrangements or contracts with Northern Health. Best practices from other communities who have addressed how health services are provided in their downtown communities will inform the review process.
Northern Health has also engaged an external advisory group made up of community leaders and organizations. The external advisory group has been brought together to provide advice and input into the Northern Health service review. Additional stakeholders and leaders not on the advisory group will be engaged throughout the process.
Members of the external advisory committee include:
- City of Prince George
- Downtown Prince George
- RCMP
- BC Housing
- First Nations Health Authority
The health services review is expected to be complete by summer 2017, when a final report and recommendations will be shared. In the meantime, changes may be made to take advantage of immediate opportunities to improve the system and services provided.
Quotes:
Mike Morris, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
“Given the ongoing overdose crisis we are experiencing in British Columbia, this review comes at an important time. Its results will inform evidence-based decision making, helping to improve health-care delivery in our community.”
Shirley Bond, Prince George Valemount MLA and Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour
“I have participated in several meetings about the need to review downtown health services. This process will include key business and community leaders and will work to improve outcomes for those who need it most.”
John Rustad, Nechako Lakes MLA and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
“Prince George is a vibrant city and it’s essential we keep in tune with its changing needs. I’m pleased Northern Health is initiating this review and working with the community to make sure our health-care system in the north continues to reflect the needs of residents.”
Penny Anguish, Northern Health Chief Operating Officer for the Northern Interior region
“We regularly review services and programs across the region to ensure we are providing the best care possible as efficiently as possible. We also recognize that this review is timely as we introduce new programs, such as the overdose prevention site, to support key provincial strategies in response to the current overdose situation.”
Colleen Van Mook, Executive Director of Downtown Prince George
“We are pleased to be participating in this process, as we recognize the need for these health services and believe there is model that will meet the needs of our downtown business community and the community as a whole.”
Dr. Andrew Gray, Northern Health’s Northern Interior Medical Health Officer
“Health services are one area where improvements can be made for people with mental health, substance use and other health issues. I am pleased we will receive advice from community leaders into health services while also having the opportunity to engage them in a bigger conversation about what each agency can do to contribute to the well-being of people in the community who need it most.”
Lyn Hall, Mayor of Prince George
“We applaud Northern Health for taking on this health services review. The City is pleased to participate in the review as a member of the External Advisory Committee, and we will continue to work with Northern Health and other organizations to improve and revitalize the downtown.”