The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) primary care centre opened on Thursday, May 9 in Victoria and for those involved in the long battle to bring equity to Indigenous healthcare, it is a victory.
B次元官网网址淚t is a dream come true,B次元官网网址� said Bruce Parisin, Executive director at VNFC.
The new primary care centre has a patient list of over 2,000 and will soon be able to see over 4,500 people, said Grey Shower, director of wellness and health.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a huge need,B次元官网网址� Shower said.
Approximately 20,000 urban Indigenous people live in South Island. The primary care centre is the regionB次元官网网址檚 largest healthcare provider for Indigenous communities.
The facility has hired 13 full-time staff, and the number will grow to over 20 with two family doctors, five nurse practitioners, eight Indigenous wellness providers, two registered nurses, and three medical office assistants.
B次元官网网址淲e just want to be a warm, safe place for people to come,B次元官网网址� said Shower. B次元官网网址淲e serve people of all ages, and we want babies and children, as well as elderly folks, right across their lifespan.B次元官网网址�
Because of the VNFC primary care centre at 2951 Tillicum Road, Melven (Sx虅wen) Jones walked down the stairs for the first time in almost a year.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 happy with my lungs. I can breathe and be grateful for spaces like this,B次元官网网址� Jones said.
Previously, he used a 15-litre oxygen tank and received over 300 stitches after he went to Vancouver General Hospital for surgery on his lungs in October 2023.
B次元官网网址淚 was like a little child, with all that doctor poking and prodding,B次元官网网址� Jones said.
Bradley Dick, who opened said the ceremony with a traditional drum and dance, said that the care centre marked a significant step for many. He recalled the story of Camosun and the Transformer, a preeminent spirit.
B次元官网网址淭o walk that journey together and to acknowledge that those connections to those old teachings still thrive,B次元官网网址� said Dick.
The Ministry of Health has approved approximately $2 million in annual funding through the Victoria Primary Care Network for VNFC Health Centre. It also provided $2.9 million in one-time amounts for tenant improvements and lease deposits.
Monique Gray Smith, a VNFC board member, said that the new clinic is part of the answer to Indigenous peoplesB次元官网网址� access to health care, and it does so in a culturally safe way.
B次元官网网址淭hose elements are equally as important as the medical ways of care. But that beautiful teaching that love is medicine,B次元官网网址� Smith said.
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