By: June Harrison - The Flying Shingle, Volume 35, #23, December, 2007

There is no doubt about it - our Interim Clinic at Twin Beaches is providing outstanding health care to Islanders. The hard working volunteers have been dedicated to bringing the best possible outcome for this service.

Drs. Bosman, Hoffmann, Smith and Colgan have established their patient base and are kept busy. Very busy!

It's unfair and unfortunate that there is absolute inequity in payment for the on-call services provided by our doctors with no immediate solution in sight. Other comparable islands and communities are being financially compensated ... why not Gabriola island?

When reached for comment on this situation, Leonard Krog responded as follows: "I am very disappointed to hear that VIHA and the provincial government are not stepping up to the plate to support a clinic that is in fact saving significant money for the province. It is short sighted and frankly stupid policy to put at risk a clinic that has overwhelming community support. I am on the side of my constituents on Gabriola and I encourage all of them to write to the Minister of Health and VIHA. After all most Gabriolans know that I strongly support the clinic, and it is the Provincial Liberals and VIHA who control the purse strings who need to wake up."

Being on call 24 hours a day every other week is a huge expectation and a recipe for burnout. We all have a job to do. Writing to all those mentioned in Lawrence Spero's comprehensive report (see inside pages 2, and 9) [below] is a simple task that would take minutes. Our doctors deserve better and Gabriola does too.

By: Lawrence Spero - The Flying Shingle, Volume 35, #23, December, 2007

Although the community has embraced the concept of a local health clinic and the urgent treatment room and has enthusiastically participated in the fundraising, there have been many challenges facing the Society and the physicians.

A key problem is that the Medical On-Call Assistance program (MOCAP), which has been made available to physicians in communities such as Pender, Ladysmith and Tofino, has been denied to our physicians. Consequently, they are not receiving compensation for being on-call. Our two physicians jointly cover on-call for Gabriola Island during office hours and after hours. The recommended on-call coverage is no more than one day (or week) on-call out of every four or five. Each of our physicians is on-call 24 hours a day, every other week. The consequence is burn-out.

The Gabriola Health Care Society's interim clinic opened its doors on July 3rd. Since then there have been many wonderful stories in the newspapers and via the Gabriola grapevine, arising out of the work carried out at the clinic and the support of the community. The clinic was built for the community to improve the delivery of primary health care to the community. Thanks to the hard work and long hours of our dedicated physicians, we have been achieving this goal.

Both Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Bosman have registered a significant number of new patients and clinic hours, with the help of Dr. Smith, have been extended. The Urgent Treatment Room (UTR) has handled many emergencies; outcomes were improved and lives were saved. Ten or more emergency calls are handled at the Clinic UCR each week. Clinic statistics are, of course, privileged information, covered by privacy legislation, but we can say that the clinic is potentially saving the public health care system between $2-400,000 per year through reduced emergency hospital visits, as well as savings due to reduced ambulance trips to Nanaimo.

Gabriolans are being seen right here on Gabriola and don't have the extra stress and risk to health that comes with having to travel to an emergency room in Nanaimo, or elsewhere, unless that trip is a medical necessity.

No immediate solution has been given to the Gabriola physicians for the inequity in the compensation for on-call availability relative to physicians in similar places. The lack of support for Gabriola's Healthcare is not a new thing but has been on-going for many years. The on-call problem can be solved through the addition of a third physician, but only if Gabriola is treated like other similar communities.

The Society and the physicians have made many attempts to rectify these issues and in early September sent a letter to the Minister of Health and to the CEO of VIHA. The Society received a letter back from the Minister in late October referring it to VIHA and to Provincial programs that have no funds left in them. The Province has now placed a moratorium on MOCAP, because of the inequities in the system, and a new set of rules is expected to be in place by July 2008.

In discussions with Dr. Robert Crow (Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the Vancouver Island Health Authority) on December 5th, agreement was reached that the Gabriola situation would be presented to the MOCAP review committee and that Gabriola would be proposed for MOCAP. There is no guarantee that our request will be successful. These actions also do not provide an immediate solution to the problem.

Dr. Crow is working with GHCS on other solutions that could provide more timely relief.

VIHA has been a difficult entity to work with because of its silo structure. There were initial indications from the VIHA Primary Care Directorate that at least three VIHA community services would co-locate in the clinic. VIHA's mental health team is at the clinic on Tuesday afternoons but there have been gaps in service. Co-location of Public Health and Home Care was also discussed with their respective team leaders by both VIHA and GHCS but has not happened. Agreements with these three VIHA services must be in place before we begin to plan the permanent Gabriola Community Clinic.

The UTR is being supported through another VIHA silo - Rural Medicine. Supplies and equipment have been slowly arriving and, thanks to Brian R. Jackson, Director of Rural Health Medicine, the system has now improved. There were significant growing pains!

Clearly, the community wants this clinic and has demonstrated this support through letters to the newspapers, personal comment and its generosity in supporting the GHCS fundraising campaign.

There were very significant donations from the Ambulance Society and the Lions. Arbutus Building Supplies helped make the St. Patrick's Day campaign a success by matching the first $5,000 of donations. Other businesses, including the Medicine Centre Pharmacy, Wild Rose Garden Centre and Colleen's, have donated funds based on participation by customers. Other local groups, such as Ingrid Versteeg's Lights of Hope, the Tour de Gabriola and Gabriola Quilters quilt raffle, have been very generous. Most of all, there has been the tremendous generosity of many individual Gabriolans in offering their time and their money.

Gabriola is being disadvantaged by the lack of funding for on- call availability. We call on the community to make their feelings known to the Minister of Health for the Province of British Columbia (george.abbott.mla@leg.bc.ca), VIHA (CEO howard.waldner@viha. ca) and our local MLA (leonard. krog.mla@leg.bc.ca). This situation must be remedied if we are to maintain the level of health care that we need.

A new physician, Dr. Simon Colgan has arrived on the Island and will be working with Dr. Bosman at the clinic. We would like to welcome Dr. Colgan and his family to Gabriola and hope that he will find our community a welcoming and nurturing environment to continue his career.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, December 24 2007

Few of us are more aware of the impact that the Gabriola Health Care Society is having on our community than Tracie and Will Der, pharmacists and co-owners of the Medicine Centre.

As a result, they are putting their money where their medicine is, in an ongoing fundraising effort to further improve healthcare on the island.

The Ders reported: "Funds for our latest GHCS donation was raised, in part, by people who supported 'extra' professional programs that we offered in 2007, including Healthy Heart and Suncare Clinics."

The Sounder encourages its readers to consider donating to the GHCS in the final days of the year.

Society treasurer Harvey Graham reminds us that gifts must be postmarked prior to the end of 2007 to qualify for a credit against a 2007 tax liability. Also, these donations must be actually paid - pledges do not count.

As well, he provided some helpful information, tax-free. (Please see: "GHCS Charitable donation tax tips."[below])

The Ders also donated money paid for monitoring blood pressure in their state-of-the-art, BpTru computerized blood pressure monitor, considered the next best thing to wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours.

However, they also have a 24-hour blood pressure monitor and are donating money paid for providing this service over the last year too, as well.

In addition, The Medicine Centre is donating all income from any private consultations, such as medication reviews and disease state management for asthma, weight management, diabetes, and more.

And the Ders are planning to hold more in-store informational and screening clinics and offer other services in the New Year to continue this donation program.

In-store fun-raising includes "donation draws." For example, a golf bag (won by Dale Sims) and a wine cooler/fridge (won by Michael Vann) have been raffled.

Tracie said: "We invite people to drop their small change into our donation can. It is adding up to big change in healthcare on Gabriola."

The Ders matched funds raised by the above methods, dollar for dollar, then rounded up the total to $3,000.

"Thanks to everyone who participated in our programs," said Tracie and Will. "It's with their interest and support that we have been so successful in our in-house fundraising.

"We're really excited to be participating in this because we know its value and it is encouraging to have the support of the community behind this initiative," they concluded.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, December 24 2007

Donations made to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation with respect to the Gabriola Health Care Society will help the Society reach its goal of developing a independent permanent clinic and will generate a tax credit that should reduce the amount of income tax you will otherwise have to pay.

The tax credit in BC is about 21% of the amount of the donation on the first $200 of donations claimed in the year and about 44% of the reminder.

A $100 gift - if you have already contributed $200 to any charity, would therefore cost you only about $56. Incidentally, if you and your spouse together donate over $200 in any one year, the tax saving will be larger if one spouse claims the entire amount.

The annual limit on charitable donations is generally 75% of net income. However, the limit on gifts by individuals in the year of death (and the prior year) is 100%. Unused claims may be carried forward for up to five years and donations made in the year of death may be carried back one year.

Donations do not always have to be in the form of money or tangible property. In fact, shares or other securities that have increased in value can produce a double benefit.

If the securities are donated the donor is not taxed on the capital gain, but still receives a donation receipt equal to the full value of the securities.

Donation of stocks, trust units, exchange-traded funds, warrants, etc., as well as mutual fund units and bonds, should qualify for the double benefit.

Note that the donation must be a transfer of the security itself, not the cash proceeds of a sale of the security.

Contact: Gabriola Health Care Society - www.ghcs.ca - or the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation for details about how to transfer the securities. If you make such a donation please make sure you tell the Foundation that the gift is to be allocated to the Gabriola Health Care Society account.

The donation of a life insurance policy or a residual interest in a trust or an estate also qualifies for a donation credit if certain conditions are met.

Charitable gifts made at the death of an individual - including donations of a RRSP, a RRIF or insurance proceeds that are made pursuant to a direct beneficiary designation or are donated under the individual’s name - should also qualify for the charitable donation tax credit in the year of death or the prior year.

Your tax adviser can provide additional information in these areas.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, December 24 2007

The GHCS Board of Directors says: "Gabriola is being discriminated against and we are now calling on the entire community to make its feelings known to the Minister of Health and VIHA." (Please see E-mail contacts, below.)

You are going to be hearing a great deal about "MOCAP," the acronym for Medical On-Call Assistance Program. It provides compensation to physicians who are on-call for emergencies.

Unlike other communities, Gabriola isn't receiving MOCAP. If this funding was in place here, additional doctors could be recruited to share the load. As a result of not receiving MOCAP, our doctors are now suffering from burn-out and the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) is sounding an alarm in the community.

"This situation must be remedied if we are to maintain the level of healthcare that we need," the GHCS board warns.

"We want the clinic and on-call shared three ways, which reduces the physicians take home pay, but also results in one-third less time on-call," it added. "This allows them more sanity and to enjoy Gabriola with their families, instead of working all the time."

The current addition of a third doctor cannot be sustained without MOCAP funding, a major problem, which threatens the success of our much loved and highly successful interim healthcare clinic and its essential Urgent Care Room (UCR).

GHCS directors report that since the clinic opened, July 3rd, the UCR has handled many emergencies, that outcomes have been significantly improved, and lives have been saved.

Ten or more emergency calls are attended to at the island’s UCR each week, significantly reducing the number of ambulance trips to Nanaimo and saving taxpayers between $200,000 and $400,000, annually.

However, despite its best efforts over many months the GHCS has failed to secure MOCAP funding, which is available in communities such as Pender Island, Ladysmith and Tofino.

The Society and our doctors have made many attempts to rectify this. In early September a letter was sent to the Minister of Health and to the CEO of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA).

In late October the minister responded by referring the problem to VIHA and to Provincial programs that have no funds left in them. A moratorium has been placed on MOCAP, because of inequities in the system, and a new set of rules is expected to be in place by July.

Drs. Daile Hoffmann and Francoise Bosman have registered a significant number of new patients, and with the help of Dr. Verne Smith, clinic hours have been extended.

Gabriolans are being attended to right here and don’t have the extra stress and risk to health that comes with having to travel to an emergency room in Nanaimo, or elsewhere, unless that trip is a medical necessity.

Two physicians have jointly covered on-call time for Gabriola during and after office hours. As a result, each of them is on-call 24 hours a day, every other week. The recommended on-call coverage is no more than one day - or week - on-call, out of every four or five.

A new physician, Dr. Simon Colgan, has now arrived and will be working with Dr. Bosman at the clinic. But this will only help solve the on-call problem if Gabriola is treated in the same manner as other communities.

In discussions with Dr. Robert Crow (Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, VIHA) on December 5th, agreement was reached that Gabriola’s situation would be presented to the MOCAP review committee next July.

There is no guarantee that the request will be successful and no immediate solution has been provided so far. However, Dr. Crow is working with GHCS on other solutions that could provide more timely relief.

Our volunteer GHCS board reports:"VIHA has been a difficult entity to work with. There were initial indications from its Primary Care Directorate that at least three community services would co-locate to the clinic.

"VIHA's mental health team planned to be at the clinic on Tuesday afternoons, but there are gaps in service and co-location of Public Health and Home Care has not occurred.

"Agreements with these three VIHA services must be in place before plans to build a permanent Gabriola Community Healthcare Clinic begin.

"There were significant growing pains, but the UTR is being supported through VIHA's Rural Medicine program and thanks to its director, Brian R. Jackson and manager Bill Relph, supplies and equipment are now arriving and the system has improved.”

Clearly, our community has embraced the concept of a local healthcare clinic and UTR to improve healthcare on Gabriola and has enthusiastically participated in fundraising.

There will be much more in the New Year, however the GHCS encourages you to now E-mail the Minister of Health - george.abbott.mla@leg.bc.ca - indicating your support and desire for immediate funding to compensate our doctors while on-call.

Please copy our MLA: leonard.krog.mla@leg.bc.ca; and VIHA’s CEO: howard.waldner@viha.ca, and Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, richard.crow@viha.ca.

In the meantime, please share your story about emergency treatment you received at the clinic. E-mail:brucemason@shaw.ca, so that examples of this essential emergency service can be documented.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder Monday, December 10 2007

Congratulations - you live in a community of about 5,000 people which has raised 100 grand and established an interim healthcare clinic in a period of one year.

The latest group to lend a hand is our classy and community conscious local quilters, whose latest work in aid of a worthy cause has been attracting attention at various locations since the summer, on display at such places as the Concert on the Green, Folklife Village and the interim clinic at Twin Beaches.

Gabriola quilters have a proud tradition of raising funds, everything from relief for Tsunami victims in Asia, to producing 15 quilts for beds for Mustard Seed in Nanaimo.

Their individual work has been featured in exhibitions on- and off-island.

The goal this time was a lofty one - to raise $5,000 for the Gabriola Health Care Society. And thanks to a last minute flurry of ticket buying every single raffle ticket for their magnificent, one-of-a-kind quilt was sold!

Six of the 15 quilters attended the draw at the interim clinic on Friday evening, November 30th. They were thrilled to receive framed photographs of each of the individual panels that they had created from GHCS vice-president Fulvio Limongelli.

However, the focus of the attention of the crowd that had gathered for the long-awaited draw was on the large container that was packed with all those tickets and young Rachel Hamilton who was asked to pick the lucky winner.

That was Eimear Johnson, who lives in Duncan and is a member of Nanaimo Quilters. She too was thrilled.

In the end it was an effort and initiative in which we were all winners.

Gabriola Sounder Monday, September 3, 2007

A surprisingly large crowd gathered for the official opening of the interim community health care clinic at Twin Beaches on Islander Day, listened to speeches, watched the cutting of gauze, rather than a ribbon, bought raffle tickets and toured the facility.

However, many residents didn't get to hear Eric Boulton, who acted as MC for the event and provided a first hand account of the history ofGabriola, especially in relation to Nanaimo and a context for the long-waited presence of a health care clinic which he categorized as one of the most important - if not the most important - community initiative on the island, ever.

The Sounder sought Eric out afterwards to go over rain-soaked notes in order to share his fascinating observations with our readers. He agreed, as long as we didn't also publish his picture, yet again.

As Gary Fjellgaard noted at the Coffeehouse that evening, while premiering a song he had promised to write in honour of a favoured Boulton horse 'Sliver' - "Eric is probably the best known Gabriolan."

Typically. he honoured the song - as promised - with a donation. this time to the PHC. a man of his word, and always worth a listen, no photograph necessary.

"One can only imagine what it was like in 1852 when the Edgar family first arrived followed by the Degnans and others, who all had to row to Nanaimo for supplies.”

"Every property was considered a farm and had to be. Pioneers cleared trees for a spot to grow hay, a garden, and to plant a few fruit trees. They hauled the logs to the beach to earn a little money or built split rail fences because cedar was all that they had in abundance.

"For the first 100 years they farmed, fished and logged until the farms were too small and the fish and trees dwindled, a time when young people began to leave in large numbers. My brother Nestor and I were exceptions; we came to help Dad on the farm after finishing college.

"That was in 1948, four years before drilled wells, seven years in advance of electricity.

"The Brickyard had employed up to a dozen people before closing in '53. The first well was needed by the Withey Shipyard for steam to bend planks to build boats. Three were drilled, but two produced only salt water.

"Electricity finally arrived in '55, part of the government's policy of rural electrification. Two years later, telephones. We did have one line around the island with 35 customers, but full telephone service had a huge impact and think about it: the original poles were good for 40 years and were just recently replaced.

"A private ferry service had been established in 1932 and 80 years had been a long time to wait for that. Then in '69 the BC government took over the ferries and that's when the trucks - including cement trucks - began arriving on the island. Up until then, people used local sand and a deposit of gravel at Green Warf.

"Suddenly there were signs advertising property for $12 down and $12 a month, for a total price of $1,200. Hippies came, including Paul and Tsiporah, Clayton Leather, Rick Cranston and others in the Coho crowd - and they are now among our most cherished citizens.

"That's also the time when subdivisions started, which is why most of us are here."

Boulton listed other community milestones including the arrival of a 55-car ferry, the rebuilding of the Agi Hall and Community Hall after fires, the golf course, a "massive community undertaking, which opened in 1981, and Folklife Village in '90, which also contributed to folks having to make fewer trips to town."

Among other events and initiatives, Eric noted the establishment of the Lions Club in 1975 as significant in the history of the community and its major contribution to the creation to the interim clinic, which immediately cut down on the need to go to the big island, this time for perhaps the most important need of all - emergency medical treatment.

"With the official opening of the interim clinic we have built a foundation and planted a seed, developed a common sense approach for immediate and local cost effective treatment and it is already saving lives.

"The creation of a permanent healthcare facility will be the most significant achievement in our community history. It will benefit every resident - man, woman and child - and every visitor for generations to come," concludes Eric Boulton. "We will have come full circle. Let's go for it!”

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder Monday, September 3 2007

Our MLA called it "one of the warmest public facilities I have ever been in." And the CEO of the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation added: "I think the Gabriola clinic is wonderful."

For the record, the island's interim community healthcare clinic was officially opened at 1 pm on Saturday, August 25th, 2007, in a ceremony, during which a sudden summer shower couldn't dampen the enthusiasm for the significance of the event.

The MC was wearing his Lions Club vest and told the large crowd that this was one of the community's greatest achievements and that a permanent clinic is an essential building block (please see "Eric Boulton's Gabriola history," page 2).

A $20,000 Lion's donation was a significant factor in establishing the clinic. Tawny Capon spoke on behalf of the Gabriola Ambulance Society, another major contributor, along with Arbutus Building Supplies which matched money raised during a highly successful St. Patrick's Day Weekend fund-raising campaign.

On a poster board nearby more than 330 names of donors were listed along with some of the articles from the Sounder which Boulton said "spread the word."

MLA Leonard Krog said that, because of the importance of the event, he had no intention of cutting his speech short and invited the crowd to take cover from the light rain.

"The interim clinic is a wonderful common sense solution which not only demonstrates the island's sense of community, but also provides immediate, highly accessible healthcare close to home when people need it," he said.

"It also results in a significant saving in tax dollars and takes some of the pressure off the regional hospital in Nanaimo," Krog added. "This is a one of those grand days when our faith in humanity is restored because people got together with government and solved a problem locally."

After touring the interim clinic he told the Sounder: "It is a cheerful facility right down to the art on the walls and although people may not want to go there, they can be reassured by what they will find here, including one set of doors leading directly to a medical table."

Maeve O'Byrne, the head of the hospital foundation agreed. "It really demonstrates how a community can come together and achieve a common vision, from the work involved in renovating the space, to the art work on the walls - the clinic is an exciting and long overdue addition to the fabric of Gabriola life.

"The Foundation was thrilled that we were invited to be a participant in such an important addition to your community," she added.

Officials from the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) had toured the interim clinic earlier in the month and when contacted by the Sounder, Brian Jackson, Director of Rural Medicine and Healthcare, said: "I wholeheartedly echo what other people are saying. VIHA is proud to be in a partnership with such a proactive and tenacious community seeking to provide healthcare treatment at the source."

Gabriola Healthcare Society president Lawrence Spero said: "The interim clinic is open, a significant achievement. Now we will refocus our efforts on the permanent facility. The road ahead will be interesting but with both community and VIHA cooperation along with our best efforts, we will achieve our goals."

The current fund raising total is now well over $85,000 and growing steadily.

Last week Colleen's donated $550, the result of a promotion earlier in the year, in which $10 was given for every sweater sold.

At press time Squash Race Organizers Al and Louie Strano reported: "Thanks to Broken Arrow Mfg., GMR Accounting, and Gabriola Community Removal for their advertising. With their donations plus on-site contributions, we raised over $100.00 for the Community Clinic."

The Sounder reminds its readers that no donation to the GHCS is too small, especially since fundraisers hope for grants from government and foundations.

Buy a raffle ticket or a handful of them on the magnificent handmade quilt - available at Wild Rose, The Medicine Centre and the interim community healthcare clinic at Twin Beaches Mall, where the quilt is on display.

Visit: www.ghcs.ca for more information.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola SounderMonday, August 27 2007

Instead of a ribbon, bandages were cut at the official opening of our interim community health care clinic on Saturday afternoon. There were some speeches, cake, coffee and a great many Gabriolans who liked what they saw and heard.

Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) president Lawrence Spero said: "Thank you to all the people who came to the clinic during the open house. We hope your experience was welcoming.

"We also hope that you felt a sense of ownership, since it was created through donations to the GHCS by so many people on Gabriola," he added.

Fundraising efforts continue. Currently you can purchase raffle tickets ($3 each, five for $10) for a quilt, or cards featuring panels of the fine work, at the clinic, the Medicine Centre in Folklife Village and Wild Rose Farm and Garden Centre. Businesses who want to help sell tickets can call Marilyn at 247- 7542.

As well, you can rent an Extractigactor at Wild Rose - a wonderful new tool to remove Scotch broom - for a day for a donation ($15, or more) to the GHCS.

In less than 10 months residents have raised more than $86,000, established an interim clinic, with another full-time doctor in place, as well as an emergency treatment room and full physiotherapy services.

Since the interim clinic opened its doors on July 6th the Sounder had been collecting stories (E-Mail brucemason@shaw.ca) from people who have used it.

Here's an example from Mudge Island. On August 15th Peter Devaney had a "nasty accident using a newly purchased grinder which buzzed into his hand and almost severed the tendon to his index finger."

Fortunately he was working in the company of a friend who took him to Gabriola in his boat and then to the clinic where he gratefully received five stitches from our new Dr. Bosman.

He and his wife report: "You can be assured that we are very happy to have this clinic up and running! The prospect of having to wait for a ferry, drive to NRGH, scamper to the Emergency where one might have to nervously wait for gosh knows how long, is disquieting to say the least."

Last October a call went out in the Sounder for folks with ideas and expertise to help put a clinic in place. Work had been done by healthcare practitioners, but when a small group of people met on a dark and rainy Tuesday night, November 2nd, a decision was made to establish a non-profit society of which all residents are members for free, and to build a permanent clinic without raising taxes.

Despite years of effort, Islanders had been unable to attract full-time doctors and only one was on-call for after-hours emergencies. There was no facility to store equipment and medications, or to offer integrated healthcare.

It was estimated that more than 300 Gabriolans were visiting the emergency room in the regional hospital in Nanaimo and that as many as ninety percent of those trips would be unnecessary if a clinic - like others on the Gulf Islands and in small rural communities - was established here.

Spero told the Sounder: "People have now seen the Emergency Treatment Room which is there for when they need it - and hopefully they won't need to visit it too many times after the open house.

"Were you impressed?" he asks, "Well the clinic couldn't have happened without the huge amount of volunteer work that was put into it and it was brought to completion in such a relatively short time, thanks to a great team.

"What you have seen at the interim clinic is just a taste of what we will be able to achieve as we continue on the path towards a permanent facility with all of the many VIHA services in place," added Spero.

Key to the success is the ongoing partnership with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, something that the Sounder will report on in an upcoming issue.

GHCS fund-raisers will meet in mid-September and plan to establish a foundation. The society has applied for charitable status to offer tax free receipts. These two initiatives will enable the community to qualify for grants from foundations and funds from governments.

In the meantime, it is essential that residents continue to raise funds. Organizers hope to top $100,000 at least, by the end of the year, a modest goal. Buy a raffle ticket. Rent an Extractigator, or make a donation at the credit union. Visit: www.ghcs.ca for more information.

Gabriola SounderMonday, August 20 2007

Along with all the events being staged on Gabriola on Saturday, August 25th, residents - and visitors - have an opportunity to celebrate one of our community's greatest achievements, the opening of the interim community health care clinic at Twin Beaches in early July.

Everyone is invited to the open house, from 1 to 3 pm. There will be a "bandage cutting ceremony," a few short speeches and a cake!

The latest total on fundraising efforts is a whopping $86,192.07, including the Tour de Gabriola, but not the quilt draw.

And Gabriolans now have another opportunity to pitch in, by renting an Exractigator at Wild Rose Farm and Garden Centre and help rid the island of invasive Scotch Broom. The fees collected will go into the account to establish a permanent healthcare facility (Please see: "Scotch Broom? How's this for a healthy idea?" page 1).

Last week the Sounder published three letters from readers expressing their gratitude that the clinic was there when they needed it.

Here is another from Barb Howardson who says she had the "good fortune" to be able to use the new interim clinic two days after it opened.

"I had been stung four times by some wasps/hornets and had an immediate reaction, unlike any I had ever had before," she recalled. "After being seen immediately by Dr. McPherson, the ambulance (with Sandy Simrose and her trusty cohort) took me to the clinic, saving me a lengthy trip to Nanaimo.

"It was a good thing, too," she added. "Unknown to me, I was going into anaphylactic shock, but due to the swift treatment by Dr. McPherson and the follow-up treatment by Dr. Bosman at the clinic, I didn't even know I had been in danger of dying as a result of the allergic reaction.

"Everyone involved was wonderful," she reported. "I couldn't have been luckier. I was saved a great inconvenience and was looked after by our very own extremely competent healthcare professionals.

"I applaud the clinic and look forward to not having to ever use it again, but if I must, I am glad it is right here in our own "backyard", Howardson concluded.

The Sounder will continue to publish clinic stories - anonymously, if you prefer. E-mail; brucemason@shaw.ca.

Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) president Lawrence Spero reported that a group of VIHA executives visited Gabriola and the interim clinic on Tuesday, August 14th.

Included in the meetings with the GHCS board were: Brian Jackson, Director of Rural Medicine, whose organization is responsible for stocking and maintaining the Emergency Treatment Room (ETR) and Grant Hollet, Director of Planning & Community Engagement, who will be working with the GHCS to plan the details of the permanent clinic and advocate for Gabriola's Clinic within VIHA.

Also at the meeting from VIHA were: Valerie Nicol, Developer, Enhanced Primary Health Care who will be the society's contact with other VIHA services and will be helping to bring new public health, mental health and home care programs to the island as we move forward, and Anne Ardiel, Director of Physician Compensation.

Spero said the discussions covered many areas, including an overview of the first weeks of the clinic's operation; a discussion of the statistical indicators that should be collected; the demographics of the patients and stats on ETR and ambulance activities.

Also on the agenda: what was needed from VIHA to consolidate the activities of the interim clinic and what additional issues or challenges remained to be resolved.

"We ended with a discussion of future plans, VIHA's continuing commitment to Gabriola and how we can begin work to evolve towards a fully integrated Primary Health Care Centre," said Spero.

"We were pleased that the Mental Health Counselor was in the clinic during the visit - they come every Tuesday afternoon and are talking about expanding their services," he added.

Discussions with other VIHA services are ongoing and the GHCS hopes to announce new additions soon. All of these VIHA users of the interim clinic pay rent and add to its viability.

"VIHA complemented us on our progress and was very impressed with the clinic," Spero reported. "The health authority agreed that our vision was consistent with their vision of how primary health care should develop and renewed their commitment to making the Gabriola Health Care Centre a prime example of how Community/VIHA partnerships could work.

"This meeting was one of an ongoing series of discussions which are needed to move from the Interim to the Permanent Clinic," he concluded.

Gabriola SounderMonday, August 13, 2007

Out interim community healthcare clinic officially opens on Gabriola Islander Day, Saturday, August 25th. If you haven't visited yet, the Gabriola Health Care Society and the health care professionals hope to see you there on the big day. If you have receved treatement at the clinic - particularly if this meant not having to go the Nanaimo - please E-mail bruemason@shaw.ca. We want to document the impact of the facility and share some stories anonymously and in the stricted confidence. We will have more on the successof the Community Clinic in next week's Sounder.

Gabriola SounderMonday, July 9 2007

At press time Gabriola Health Care Society President Lawrence Spero told the Sounder: "The Interim Clinic opened on Tuesday with no big fanfare but a huge amount of satisfaction from all of the members of a great team who helped to create it. Harvey Graham's design not only looks good but is functional, as well and the healthcare team is settling in well.

"Over the next months we will enjoy the big differences of having a new doctor with emergency room experience and an Emergency Treatment Room. A 9-11 call may now not necessarily mean a trip to Nanaimo," he added.

Dr. Verne Smith, who will be working part-time in the interim facility added: "I was astounded that a group of volunteers were able to put together such a well designed medical clinic (and temporary at that!)"

"It will be great to share such a space with Dr. Hoffman and our new Dr. Bosman. Also to have Mental Health, Home Care and our new Physiotherapy office with D'Arcy Boulton," Smith continued.

"Putting these services together will work better for professionals and patients alike. Clean, bright, climate controlled - wonderful. I feel very thankful to GHCS for the space and contents," said Smith, adding; "Karen Cain has filled the clinic with her paintings so it looks like the artistic community that Gabriola Island is."

Said Spero: "We will be having an Open House on Gabriola Day (August 25th, from 1-3 pm) so that everyone will get a chance to visit their clinic.

"How many times can one say thank you to all of the volunteers, donors and businesses who have made such amazing contributions? Once more - with a huge Gabriola Smile," Spero concluded.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, July 2 2007

Wave after wave of workers and volunteers have been descending on the Gabriola Health Care Society interim community clinic in recent weeks in preparation for the opening Tuesday, July 3rd. Just before press time we found a pride of Lions in the work party. GHCS president Lawrence Spero, taking time out from assembling chairs, reported that it was looking more like a clinic every day, with ongoing delivery of supplies and furniture scheduled to arrive. "I do know the clinic is fully booked for Tuesday and the mental health nurse will be there in the afternoon," he said, erasing any doubt about the need. Pop by and visit your clinic in the near future and get involved in the creation of a permanent facility. The website is: http://www.ghcs.ca/. Appointments for both the Gabriola Medical Clinic, and Sandstone Sport and Spinal Physical Therapy Clinic, can be booked at 247-9922. The Sounder will have more next week.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, June 25 2007

With rain in the forecast and obviously on the minds of many, the third annual Tour de Gabriola - an event that has become synonymous with health and healthcare on the island - was staged Sunday, June 17th, this year at two locations.

"The bright red Village Food Market tents hauled by John Van Beek were not really necessary - the rain held off," said organizer Al Strano. "But the threat was enough to keep some Gabriolans at home."

Approximately 20 riders were greeted at the Fire Hall by Liz Ciocea and Louise Van Beek. An equal number met Marilyn Geater and Lawrence Spero at Twin Beaches Shopping Centre.

On their respective tours the riders were replenished with water donated by Coast Realty and oranges from Village Foods, served by Inger Martin, Margaret Litt, and Karen and Bill Hatton

"The amount collected on the day approached $1800, but we believe many pledges are still outstanding," Strano reported. "The funds can be taken to the Medicine Centre at Folklife Village, where Tracie Der will be glad to receive them."

Remember, if you have pledges or were planning on making one, please take them to the Medicine Centre, Strano reminds our readers, adding: "Mark your calendar, next year's tour will be June 1st, 2008.

TheTour de Gabriola committee thanks everyone for their support. There website is http://members.shaw.ca/PrimaryCareGabriola.

"Once again the Tour de Gabriola has proved that you can have fun and raise funding for primary health care," said GHCS president Lawrence Spero. "As we move forward in the planning for the permanent Health Care Clinic it's good to know that folks like Al and Louie will be hard at it planning next year's Tour de Gabriola.

"The interim clinic when it opens on July 3rd is just the beginning. We have to keep our eye fixed on the goal of fully integrated healthcare services under one roof. People have asked the GHCS if we will ever have nurse practitioners or x-ray machines on the island. If we all work together and these services can be shown to be needed, then yes the GHCS will work hard to make them happen. In the next few months we will be approaching philanthropic foundations and government for support; we will be involved in more fundraising activities; and perhaps most importantly we will be keeping Gabriolans informed," he added.

To keep track of the Gabriola Health Care Society, visit: www.ghcs.ca. In the meantime, work continues on the interim clinic at Twin Beaches Mall in preparation for a July 3rd opening. We will have a full report in next week's Sounder.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder Monday, June 18 2007

A new era in improvements to the health of our community will be ushered in early next month when the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) interim Community Clinic opens its doors.

Lawrence Spero, president of the GHCS, and the society's board of directors, all volunteers, wanted the community to be aware that current healthcare on Gabriola is good; we have excellent physicians, first responders and paramedics.

However, steps are being taken to make our health services - both emergency and ongoing patient support - even better, here on the island.

"The GHCS goal is to assist in this process by developing and maintaining a fully equipped health care facility to deliver urgent and integrated patient centred health care services to people on Gabriola," Spero said, adding: "The Interim Clinic at Twin Beaches Mall is the first step in realizing this goal."

Late last week, just before going to press, the Sounder made another quick tour of the facility and the highly impressive work in progress. The painting was finished, the laying of floor tiles was nearing completion and trim was being painted. Doors and cupboards were being installed over the weekend.

See for yourself, particularly if you have been skeptical or uncertain. It is your healthcare clinic and you will have opportunities to become involved in creating a permanent facility.

Hard at work were landlord Kelly Brooks and his helper Daryl. "Harvey and Judith Graham have done a wonderful job of coordinating the volunteer work," said Spero.

All available space (approximately 2,200 square feet) in the temporary interim Health Care facility - that will open on July 3rd - has been fully rented to health professionals.

It is essential for members of the community to note that this is not a 24/7 clinic.

The new office hours have been extended beyond those that were previously available and have been posted (please see "Interim Community Healthcare Clinic: hours of operation").

As promised by the GHCS, all of the costs of the facility - including rent, utilities and renovations - will be recovered during the lifetime of the lease, at no cost to the community, through community fundraising that has included generous donations from the Lions Club and Gabriola Ambulance Society. No taxes have been raised.

To date more than $77,000 has been raised - not including proceeds from the Tour de Gabriola, Sunday, June 17th - all of which will go directly to a permanent clinic that is estimated to be three to five years down the road.

The GHCS - of which all Gabriolans are members, at no cost - has created an Emergency Treatment Room (ETR) within the facility that the on-call physicians will use to stabilize patients, apply splints, casts, or a few stitches and where clot busters and other medications can be stored.

The society secured government funds - through partnering with VIHA - to pay for the supplies, equipment and renovations required to keep this room stocked.

Once again, there is no cost to the community to maintain the ETR, which will be available to all residents and visitors.

The GHCS mission has been to help enable the community to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, stabilize patients, cut the number of patients making unnecessary trips to emergency in Nanaimo, and integrate health services for the first time.

Already the society has succeeded in attracting a new physician - Dr. Francois Bosman, who has extensive emergency room experience - to Gabriola with his family. He will begin work when the interim clinic opens.

The supplies for the ETR from VIHA are expected to arrive next week.

"The list is nine pages long, with everything needed for emergency treatment for events such as a heart attack to giving birth, casts, stitches, poison control, etc." said Spero. "It is identical to the supplies put in other VIHA Emergency Treatment Rooms in the North and other Gulf Islands. These supplies will be maintained by VIHA, as needed.

Having raised funds to reach its short-term goals the GHCS is now fundraising for the permanent - Gabriolan owned - healthcare facility. All donations made to date and in the future will flow to this permanent facility.

Currently included in this effort is exploring opportunities to raise much of the money needed for the permanent clinic from government and philanthropic organizations.

If you have questions, ideas, opinions, or expertise you think will help develop the interim clinic and plan for the permanent clinic, please contact the GHCS by E-mail, at information@ghcs.ca. It is your society, your future.

The website is: http://www.ghcs.ca/. Check the FAQ section for responses to new questions.

For more information, see "GHCS answers more questions."

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, June 25 2007

With rain in the forecast and obviously on the minds of many, the third annual Tour de Gabriola - an event that has become synonymous with health and healthcare on the island - was staged Sunday, June 17th, this year at two locations.

The bright red Village Food Market tents hauled by John Van Beek were not really necessary - the rain held off,” said organizer Al Strano. “But the threat was enough to keep some Gabriolans at home.”

Approximately 20 riders were greeted at the Fire Hall by Liz Ciocea and Louise Van Beek. An equal number met Marilyn Geater and Lawrence Spero at Twin Beaches Shopping Centre.

On their respective tours the riders were replenished with water donated by Coast Realty and oranges from Village Foods, served by Inger Martin, Margaret Litt, and Karen and Bill Hatton

The amount collected on the day approached $1800, but we believe many pledges are still outstanding,” Strano reported. “The funds can be taken to the Medicine Centre at Folklife Village, where Tracie Der will be glad to receive them.”

Remember, if you have pledges or were planning on making one, please take them to the Medicine Centre, Strano reminds our readers, adding: “Mark your calendar, next year’s tour will be June 1st, 2008.

TheTour de Gabriola committee thanks everyone for their support. There website is http://members.shaw.ca/PrimaryCareGabriola.

Once again the Tour de Gabriola has proved that you can have fun and raise funding for primary health care,” said GHCS president Lawrence Spero. “As we move forward in the planning for the permanent Health Care Clinic it’s good to know that folks like Al and Louie will be hard at it planning next year’s Tour de Gabriola.

The interim clinic when it opens on July 3rd is just the beginning. We have to keep our eye fixed on the goal of fully integrated healthcare services under one roof. People have asked the GHCS if we will ever have nurse practitioners or x-ray machines on the island. If we all work together and these services can be shown to be needed, then yes the GHCS will work hard to make them happen. In the next few months we will be approaching philanthropic foundations and government for support; we will be involved in more fundraising activities; and perhaps most importantly we will be keeping Gabriolans informed,” he added.

To keep track of the Gabriola Health Care Society, visit: www.ghcs.ca. In the meantime, work continues on the interim clinic at Twin Beaches Mall in preparation for a July 3rd opening. We will have a full report in next week’s Sounder.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, June 18 2007

At press time the GHCS was delighted to announce that the Gabriola Community Clinic will open at Twin Beaches Mall (377 Berry Point Road) on Tuesday, July 3, 2007.

As reported previously in the Sounder, it will house the new Sandstone Sport and Spinal Physical Therapy Clinic, as well as the relocated Gabriola Medical Clinic and the VIHA Emergency Treatment Room.

As well, health professionals who will provide services at the facility provided the following information:

Physiotherapist D'Arcy Boulton's hours of operation will be: Monday from 1 pm to 7 pm; Tuesday 7 am to 7 pm and; Thursday 7 am to noon. A doctor's referral will not be required for an appointment with him.

Drs. Daile Hoffmann and Verne Smith will be joined by Dr. Francois Bosman and will be extending regular office hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 6:30 pm, with walk in clinics on Saturday, 9 am to noon and Sunday, from 1 pm to 3 pm.

The services they will offer include: routine family medical care, same or next day appointments for urgent and semi-urgent concerns for both islanders and visitors, on site back up for ambulance, and both Driver and Seafarer Medicals.

New patients are welcome.

Appointments for both the Gabriola Medical Clinic, and Sandstone Sport and Spinal Physical Therapy Clinic, can be booked at (250) 247-9922.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, June 18 2007

Translated from Greek it means, "Life, Learning and Friendship."

Although Beta Sigma Phi may sound like an academic sorority, it is actually the name and motto of the international network with more than 165,000 members of all ages, interests and educational backgrounds.

For more than 75 years, Beta Sigma Phi - the largest of its kind - has been known around the world as: "The Friendship Organization."

Gabriola's Preceptor Gamma Psi chapter has been in existence for 12 years, started by outgoing president Glory Case, who has been a member for 43 years.

"I joined in Ontario before moving to Gabriola," she recalled. "Basically there are six stages or steps - from Pledge to Preceptor - for members in the organization. We meet every two weeks, as well as get together socially."

Former president Anniken deLissa reported that in the past the local chapter raised more than $4,000 for the Gathering Place by staging a benefit concert and continues to support ICROSS (International Community for the Relief of Starvation and Suffering) Canada, which provides financial assistance to the poorest of the poor children and their families in Africa.

"We also knit dolls," added incoming president Sharon Stephenson who takes over in September. She listed other examples of those who benefit in Gabriola's community, including the Cairn Association on Remembrance Day and needy families at Christmas.

The local chapter raised $425 during the highly successful GHCS St. Patrick's Day weekend drive and is now adding $854.50, from a recent garage sale.

Ursula Graham, who organized the event, said she joined Beta Sigma Phi in Vancouver in 1971. "I have made friends for life and still keep in touch and attend social events at Christmas on the Lower Mainland, as well as remain active here on Gabriola," she continued.

Back in 1931, during the Great Depression, there was a need for an organization that would bring women together in a social, cultural and educational climate that wasn't available in those difficult times.

Most importantly, there was a need for friendship and support from other women. Beta Sigma Phi was created out of this need, but it didn't take long before its members were helping others.

For example, Beta Sigma Phi raised $22 million in war bonds during World War II.

And when the 1950s brought peace and prosperity to the world, its membership doubled, during an era filled with grand balls, elegant teas and the growing strength of sisterhood as thousands of women joined.

But as the times changed, so did Beta Sigma Phi and in the '60s and '70s the organization became less formal. But it has kept its ideals intact into the 21st Century, redefining itself through the diversity and vitality of its members who share their ideas, talents and enthusiasm.

It has always been a non-affiliated, open group, is non-political and non-sectarian and continues to be devoted to service, social and cultural projects of all kinds, which are an integral part of the activities of every chapter.

Beta Sigma Phi members raise more than $3 million for local charities and donate over 200,000 volunteer hours in an average year.

Each chapter determines its own service projects and participation is always voluntary. Local chapters also create their own International Funds that donate millions of dollars to health research, hunger projects, and other worthwhile causes.

Membership in the organization is very reasonable and provides opportunities to contribute to your community, develop lasting friendships, and polish leadership skills.

For more information, visit their international website:www.betasigmaphi.org.

"We are a small group - currently 15 members - but want to do what we can to help," said deLissa, who once again thanked members of the community who volunteered to lend a hand during the garage sale.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder Monday, June 18 2007

Since its inception late last year the Gabriola Health Care Society has been a model of transparency, to use a word that is overworked by folks who often mean the exact opposite.

Yes, your society has been in existence for less than nine months - the human gestation period - and is about to give birth to an interim community healthcare clinic. As reported elsewhere, the due date is July 3rd.

For the record and for those who asked, the Sounder refers to healthcare - one word and health care - two words - in relation to the society. That's because that's the name that was available during incorporation.

Back in the beginning when we published a call for members of the community with expertise to come forward, we were referring to the Gabriola Medical Services Society [subsequently re-named the Gabriol Health Care Society], but the name changed when we were advised to broaden the scope.

As we all know an awesome - another overused word, that is entirely appropriate here - group did step forward and how, their ranks continuing to swell, but not their heads, which remain clear and focused.

The name may be changed again to Foundation, as the society enters a new phase of fund-raising, hoping for grants from governments and philanthropists (know any?) to build a much larger permanent facility which will most likely be located in the village.

When the interim clinic opens in a few weeks, there are plans to research the remarkable progress made on Gabriola and share what we have learned.

The results will not only be the envy of many communities, but are already considered a model for communities to take responsibility to solve healthcare problems and form partnerships with government.

And even the harshest critics of the GHCS proposals - continuing to evolve through painstaking due diligence - have to admit we have major healthcare problems, here, there and everywhere.

Last week, the current GHCS president Lawrence Spero sat down with all of the members of the local chapter of Beta Sigma Phi to bring them up to date and answer questions. We want to share with our readers.

As always, stressing the bottom line, which has always been a major concern, he said: "All of the costs of the renovations at Twin Beaches will be recovered during the life of the lease (two years, with three one year extensions) from the tenants (physicians, physiotherapists and VIHA) who will each be paying their share of the rent.

"GHCS has designed the interim clinic to ensure that, as much as possible of the infrastructure: generator, heat exchanger, cupboards, etc., will get transferred to the permanent clinic," he added.

"The volunteers who have shown up at Twin Beaches have helped us keep down the costs," Spero continued. "This maximizes the funds available for purchase of additional equipment that will eventually end up in the permanent clinic. VIHA is also helping by looking through their surplus inventory for examination tables, chairs, desks, etc."

Spero anticipated that VIHA equipment will arrive next week, when there is proper security at the interim clinic.

Among these items will be a second LifePak 12 unit, the device which includes a defibrillator, the first of which got the healthcare ball rolling and has been saving lives ever since.

There will also be clot-busting drugs and other medications, which were previously unavailable. The Sounder will have a report on these and VIHA's ongoing involvement in an upcoming issue.

He reiterated that the Twin Beaches site was chosen because it is the only location with the required 2,000 square feet and zoning, relatively close to the ferry.

Spero also reported that physicians will be available for extended hours and there will be more walk-in opportunities at the interim facility.

Contrary to unpopular opinion, there has been no attempt to displace existing healthcare professionals or services. The GHCS hopes more doctors will be available on-call and, for example, increased access to immunizations will be a boon to busy young families and during flu season.

Lord how GHCS folks don't like to be singled out, but Spero is, after all, a former professor and academic administrator in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, the largest university in the nation.

From the beginning he has championed this philosophy: "We want to improve community health in a general sense, to add, not take away, and to work with groups such as the PHC and The Hope Centre."

In response to a question about who makes the decision on whether or not to call for evacuation, he said that will not change. A 911 dispatcher will alert first responders and paramedics and the doctor who is on call. The latter will then decide if the patient can be treated on the island.

It is expected that the number of unnecessary trips to Nanaimo will be cut dramatically and the GHCS will be asking that some of the savings - the cost of a single ambulance trip by ferry is estimated at $500 and hundreds are made every year - be passed on to Gabriolans.

Regarding the skills required for emergency treatment - sometimes outside the realm of family doctors and general practitioners - additional training will be made available, he reported, adding that the GHCS will look after the building and doctors will responsible for medical care.

Yes there are plans for space for a nurse practitioner and myriad other services in the permanent clinic, including home care.

"The decision was made to begin to provide improved service first and then work on a permanent facility," said Spero. "After being open for a month we will be able to determine what we need to add, for example there is no X-ray machine right now and that may be required."

During the discussion with Beta Sigma Phi, another important point came up of which many Gabriolans are unaware. If you are in Nanaimo for medical treatment of any kind ask for a chit to pay for the ferry back home. Soon, that will be occurring less frequently.

Gabriola SounderMonday, June 11 2007

Wayne Kilback at the Gabriola Wine Cellar wishes to thank all the customers who donated money towards the Gabriola Health Care Society's new clinic which is due to open this summer. Each customer who donated received a hand held calculator and an entry into the draw for a free batch of wine.

Wayne raised $437 in donations and the Gabriola Wine Cellar matched this amount to bring the total donation to a hefty $874.

The winner of the free batch of "New Niagara Mist Wildberry Zinfandel" is Doug Weis. Congratulations to Doug and many thanks to Wayne and the Gabriola Wine Cellar.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder Monday, June 11 2007

"Calling all volunteers with drywall experience," is the latest word from the Gabriola Health Care Society.

Gabriola needs your expertise right now to complete the interim clinic that is integral to the society's plan to improve healthcare on the island.

And it is your opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to the community and island life.

In the meantime, behind the scenes, Gabriola will have a second full-time doctor who will respond to emergencies by the beginning of next month. That was confirmed in an interview with Dr. Francoise Bosman from Prince George.

And Al and Louie Strano are back, keen to raise more funds.

If you are among the many visitors to the site of the interim clinic at Twin Beaches - which includes the Walking Group - or have peeked in the window, you know that amazing progress has been made in record time.

When the Sounder stopped by last week, Kelly, Daryl and indefatigable and invaluable GHCS treasurer Harvey Graham had framed the entire inside of the building, all 2,200 square feet.

It's impressive to say the least. On a quick tour, the trio pointed out the components, now in place: a reception area, waiting room, five patient rooms, the all-important emergency treatment room, space for full physiotherapy treatment, a staff lunch room, multi-purpose room for files and other storage and two washrooms, one for the handicapped.

The goal of the society is, as always, to build a permanent healthcare facility on Gabriola, but a decision was made to establish the interim facility as a first phase.

This will enable the community to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, stabilize patients, cut the number of patients making unnecessary trips to emergency in Nanaimo, and begin to integrate health services for the first time on Gabriola.

From all appearances, the structure is well on its way to realizing that dream. An optimistic Twin Beaches landlord Kelly Brooks continues to predict that the facility will be ready by June 1st after a whirlwind two weeks of construction.

"The insulation is next, along with plumbing and electrical work, but right now we need volunteers with drywall experience to lend a hand," he reported, If you qualify drop by the site, or E-mail the GHCS: information@ghcs.ca, ASAP.

A June 1st opening sounds good to Bosman. "My family and I are looking forward to relocating to Gabriola, and we will be there by the end of May," he said over the phone.

Bosman emigrated from South Africa in 1986 and set up a rural, full-service practice in McBride before taking up duties in the emergency room in Prince George, three years later.

"Diagnosis has been an important part of my work here along with providing treatment immediately, whenever possible," he reported.

To a large degree Bosman and his family - he and his wife have a 16 year-old daughter at boarding school in Duncan, a three year-old and a newborn baby - are making a leap of faith in purchasing a house on Gabriola and relocating to the island.

But there are attractions for the avid sailor who has been landlocked in the interior of BC for too long. "I'm also a boat-builder," he said, "and my contacts with everyone involved in the GHCS have been phenomenal.

"The quality of the people is impressive and it is apparent that this is something that the community wants to do," Bosman added.

"Impressive," is also a word used by Al Strano, who dropped by the interim clinic soon after he and his wife Louie returned to Gabriola from wintering on the Baja.

They organized the Tour de Gabriola in 2005 to raise funds for the Life-Pak unit and again in 2006, which kicked off fundraising for the clinic.

"Having learned from past years that it would be better to be the first summer fundraiser rather than the last, we believe Sunday, June 17th, would be an appropriate date," he told the Sounder. "Also, we think a separate ride for younger kids would be a good addition."

He has contacted the GHCS fundraising committee and hopes to have a framework in place for a May 17th meeting.

"With that said, we would greatly appreciate your input of suggestions, disagreement or other ideas," he added. E-mail him at primarycaregabriola@yahoo.ca.

Right now if you are a dry-waller and cyclist you are in very high demand and a warm welcome awaits you.

For more information, visit: www.ghcs.ca.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder Monday, June 4, 2007

Work continues to progress at the interim healthcare clinic at Twin Beaches. So does fundraising for a permanent facility. And a well-known Gabriolan is returning to the island to play a role in local improvements to healthcare.

If you have checked out the site you have seen the remarkable renovations that have taken place in the former liquor store. Lawrence Spero, president of the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) confirms that drywall is being completed in preparation for painting, including a coat of fire-proof material.

He - and others that the Sounder talked with - hope to open the doors next month.

In the meantime, as folks prepare for the 3rd Annual Tour de Gabriola (see "Ready to Ride," page 8) on Sunday, June 17th, there is news from the fundraising front.

"We raised more than $850 at our recent garage sale," reported Anniken de Lissa, a member of Beta Sigma Phi, which previously donated $425 to the GHCS during the highly successful St Patrick's Day weekend drive.

"We are a small group - currently 15 members - but want to do what we can to help," added de Lissa, who organized the event and wanted to thank Ursula Graham for offering her house for the site of the sale and the members of the community for their support, including those who volunteered during the event and also took unsold items to GIRO afterwards. Watch for an upcoming feature on Beta Sigma Phi in the Sounder.

As well, Gabriola Lions have been recognized for their generous contribution to the GHCS goal of establishing a permanent healthcare facility, earning a Lions Club Inspirational Award.

One of the worst kept secrets on Gabriola has now been confirmed: D'Arcy Boulton (recognize the name?) will be joining the healthcare professionals who will be working out of the interim clinic. He is establishing a fully equipped physiotherapy clinic at the site.

"I was born and raised on Gabriola, attended the elementary school, high school by ferry and earned degrees from UVic and UBC before leaving the island in 2001 to establish a practice on the Lower Mainland," D'arcy told the Sounder over the phone from Vancouver.

"Ever since then I have been looking forward to returning to this thriving, growing and vibrant community," added Boulton, who recently accompanied Canada's field hockey team to Asia and was formerly a trainer with the professional soccer team, the Vancouver Whitecaps.

"I am not only looking forward to reuniting with my family and friends on the island, but also to taking advantage of an opportunity to broaden my skills and learn in the field.

The healthcare clinic will allow me to practice my profession and hopefully make a useful contribution to the community," D'Arcy added.

The clinic is also enabling Gabriolans to buck a worrisome trend. It was front page news last week that the provincial government will spend $422 million over the next four years on financial incentives for family medicine.

The initiative is being undertaken to make a dent in the more than 400,000 patients in BC who don't have a primary doctor, to improve care of patients with chronic diseases, and to reduce hospital admissions.

The overall goal of the GHCS has been to develop and maintain a fully equipped healthcare facility to deliver integrated health care services to people on Gabriola.

Establishing the interim clinic has made the island more competitive in the retention and recruitment of physicians.

Last week the Sounder had coffee with Spero and Dr. Francoise Bosman, who has moved to Gabriola with his family and will start work when the clinic opens.

Among other things they stressed the need to once again inform our readers of the value of providing an integrated approach, which is much more than assembling practitioners under one roof.

They explained that although medical records are private, there will be greatly enhanced opportunities for healthcare professionals to share advice and expertise in over-all treatment, to say nothing of the integration and coordination of such services as mental health in one location, along with opportunities to provide immunizations and store medications which are currently unavailable.

Spero said the GHCS is currently working on agreements with Boulton, Bosman, and Drs. Daile Hoffmann and Verne Smith, who will work part-time at the interim clinic They will announce hours of service - which will be expanded - soon.

During conversations with GHCS board members and others involved in improving local healthcare, the Sounder was asked to reiterate that the island had only one full-time doctor who responded to emergency calls after hours and there has never been any intention to displace any healthcare practitioners.

"Health care on Gabriola is good, but it could be better," said Spero. "We have excellent doctors, first responders and paramedics, but did not have an approved location where patients could be stabilized - a frequent medical necessity - to avoid worsening their condition en route to Nanaimo."

A lack of suitable facilities resulted in the fact that clot busters and other drugs necessary to decrease the severity of heart attacks were unavailable and there was no approved facility where splints, casts or a few stitches could be provided in a sterile environment.

As well, GHCS has secured government funds - through partnering with VIHA - to renovate, supply and equip an urgent treatment room.

The GHCS will have and information booth at Islander Day, August 26th. In the meantime- the website is www.ghcs.ca. The Sounder will have more healthcare news next week.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola SounderMonday, May 28 2007

Electrical work has been completed in the interim health care clinic at Twin Beaches. The gyproc is up and drywall is being taped and filled in preparation for painting.

"The renovations are progressing nicely," said Lawrence Spero, president of the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS), which was formed late last year to help enable Gabriolans to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, stabilize patients, cut the number of patients making unnecessary trips to emergency in Nanaimo, and to integrate health services for the first time.

The goal of the society is to build a permanent healthcare facility on Gabriola and a decision was made to establish an interim facility as an essential first phase.

As promised, no tax dollars are being spent and funds invested in the interim clinic will be recovered through rents.

"Mid-June still seems like a possible target as long as the cupboards, furniture etc., get delivered on schedule," Spero reported.

"We certainly should be open by July 1st. Dr.'s Hoffmann, Bosman and Smith will be making a formal announcement about their new hours, etc., as soon as we can estimate a fairly accurate opening date."

Dr. Bosman has been commuting between Prince George and Gabriola and should have completed his move by the end of the month.

A physiotherapist is expected to open a facility in the interim clinic on, or near, July 1st.

Included in the 2,200 square feet, are: a reception area, waiting room, five patient rooms, the all-important emergency treatment room, space for full physiotherapy treatment, a staff lunch room, multi-purpose room for files and other storage and two washrooms, one for the handicapped.

"Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) equipment, drugs and furnishings for the emergency treatment room are being finalized and will certainly be on island as soon as we have a place to keep them," said Spero, adding: "Discussions are still ongoing with VIHA about the schedule of use of their dedicated room/office and we hope they can finalize the schedule soon."

A flurry of activity - which included donations from the Gabriola Lions, Ambulance Society, and Arbutus Building Supplies - resulted in more than $75,000 being raised. After a brief breather that activity will enter a second phase over the summer, kicking off with the third annual Tour de Gabriola, June 17th.

A wealth of information - including how to make donations and opportunities to volunteer - is available at www.ghcs.ca.

Information can also be found, in person, at the Medicine Centre, including forms for the bicycle tour fund-raiser.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, May 28 2007

Two years ago at this time they organized the first Tour de Gabriola to help raise funds for a LifePak 12 unit which has saved lives on Gabriola and will continue to do so.

Last year the second annual event kicked off fund-raising for a healthcare clinic.

This year, as an interim clinic is being prepared for opening, Louie and Al Strano are once again back from spending winter in the Baja, once again wheeling out plans for an annual event that has become synonymous with good health on Gabriola.

"Lawrence Spero and Harvey Graham of the GHCS invited me to take a look at the interim clinic when we returned to the island and I was amazed at the progress that had been made," Al reported.

"I'm 66 years of age and spend six months of the year on Gabriola, which is one reason for being motivated to become involved in helping to improve healthcare on the island," he continued.

"Louie and I are avid cyclists and we see people riding all the time on the island so the idea to stage Tour de Gabriola was a good mix and made sense," he added.

The group they organized - PrimaryCare¬Gabriola - will be holding its third annual bicycle tour on Sunday, June 17th in support of the GHCS proposals which include establishing a permanent healthcare facility.

It will feature the traditional around the island ride, plus a shorter Berry Point ride. The traditional tour will depart from Fire Hall #1, 760 North Road, and proceed counter-clockwise around the island, approximately 27 kms.

The junior tour will depart from Twin Beaches Mall, site of the interim GHCS clinic and proceed to Orlebar Point and return, approximately six kms. It will allow riders of all ages and abilities to participate in this important fundraiser. Participants under the age of 18 will require a signature from a parent.

Both rides will commence between 9:30 am and 10:30 am. Also, there will be fruit and cold water stops at strategic locations.

A minimum donation of $20 per adult rider, $10 per child is being asked for and riders are encouraged to collect pledges to support their efforts.

Donations will be accepted, by cheque or cash (not by credit card).

We will have more information in the Sounder as we count down to June 17th. However everything you need to know to get started can be found at the website: http://members.shaw.ca/PrimaryCareGabriola, including routes, points of interest, registration forms, parking information, a press release and opportunities to have your questions answered directly by E-mail.

Participants are asked to print the registration form and turn in the completed form at the registration table with the sponsorship money (make cheques payable to "Gabriola Health Care Foundation").

Forms are also available at the Medicine Centre in the Folklife Village until June 17th, then at the registration table for those who cannot print the forms themselves.

Registration closes at 10:30 am, but participants are encouraged to begin as soon as they are registered to ensure safe distances between riders.

Remember, this is not a competition, so plan to ride with care and enjoy yourself and Gabriola Island. Helmets are mandatory and riders must ride single file, passing only when safe to do so.

Anyone with questions, including how to get involved, E-mail PrimaryCareGabriola@yahoo.ca.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, April 23, 2007

In a press release, Wednesday, April 18th, Lawrence Spero, President of the Board of the Gabriola Heath Care Society (GHCS) said: he, "is delighted to announce that Kelly Brooks has begun renovations for the Interim Clinic at Twin Beaches.

“While a few details are still to be resolved we are working with committed individuals, both on the island, and in VIHA, and we are moving forward in a cooperative environment," he added.

"Current plans are to open the clinic on, or around July 1 st, 2007, or sooner, if possible," he is quoted in the release.

The Sounder left messages for Brooks, who was unavailable for comment.

The volunteer GHCS was formed late last year to help enable Gabriolans to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, stabilize patients, cut the number of patients making unnecessary trips to emergency in Nanaimo, and to integrate health services for the first, time.

The goal of the society is to build a permanent health care facility on Gabriola and a decision was made to establish an interim facility as an essential first phase.

It will be located at Twin Beaches Mall, the only space available on the island which can accommodate all of the necessary components for a healthcare clinic.

The interim facility will include the equipped emergency treatment room, two doctor's offices, a physiotherapy clinic, and space for a range of other health related services.

The providers of these services will pay their share of the rent of a building, which will be added to the rent being paid by doctors and other health care professionals.

This will enable the GHCS to recover costs of the interim clinic and utilize all of these funds for a permanent clinic. And, as promised, taxes will not be affected.

The GHCS has raised more than $75,000 in the community.

On March 26th, the GHCS held its first annual general meeting and Spero - former vice-president, replacing interim president Fred Geater, who stepped down for health reasons - announced an agreement with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) on the nature of the interim clinic.

"We have discussed workload and overhead costs, etc. in the interim facility with VIHA and the physicians involved and have arrived at what we and they think is a workable arrangement to get the interim clinic up and running.”

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, April 9 2007

Gabriola Health Care Society: our new board, elected at the first-ever AGM late last month:

• Lawrence Spero, President
• Fulvio Limongelli, Vice President
• Tracie Der, Secretary
• Harvey Graham, Treasurer
• Daille Hoffman, Elected Director
• Margaret Litt, Elected Director
• Diana Moher, Elected Director
• Fay Weller, Elected Director
• Brenda Fowler, Ambulance Society Representative
• Don Butt, Lions Representative

For our readers who want to learn more about these volunteers who have come forward to serve as Gabriolans build a permanent healthcare clinic, here are short bios which the Sounder had published previously, but now adds - thanks to Lawrence - a few words in the thumbnail sketches below. Welcome to Brenda, Fay, Don and Fulvio, who are new to our list. And to the new board, fund-raisers and their supporters: Keep up the good work!

Brenda Fowler represents the Gabriola Ambulance Society and has accomplished Project Management, Professional Mediation, and Labour Relations credentials. She has worked in a large provincial Crown Corporation, within Federal and municipal governments and on Boards of Directors.

Fay Weller has lived on Gabriola since December 2005. She currently works part time as a consultant who facilitates positive change in the areas of health, sustainability and poverty issues. Her recent work has ranged from facilitating agreements between federal, provincial and regional health authorities to implementing legislation, to assisting a provincial Aboriginal Ministry in setting their strategic direction. She has also started her second career as a visual artist since coming to Gabriola.

Margaret Litt earned a Masters in Community Health and Epidemiology and for the past 10 years her career has focused on building collaborative health projects locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. She is currently Provincial Coordinator of the Infection Control Network of BC, has been a public health advisor and senior epidemiologist for the federal government and has worked as a public and community health nurse.

Don Butt represents the Lions Club. He practiced medicine for six years in British Columbia and Newfoundland, for the United Church Home Missions Hospital program before returning to Mississauga, Ontario in 1967. He served as Chief of Medical Staff at the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. He currently consults in Vancouver and from home for disability management companies on a part time basis. In addition to the Lions Club, he is also involved with the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron, the United Church, playing flute, and singing in various choirs.

Tracie Der has been a pharmacist for 20 years and is co-owner of the Gabriola Medicine Centre/Island Apothecary (for 14 years) and the Nanoose Medicine Centre (for the past year). She has been active on Pharmacy Professional Practice committees, the Health Outcomes Pharmacy group and has served on the UBC Faculty of Pharmacy. She has also held executive positions in the Chamber of Commerce and the school PAC, been an Islander Days organizer and participates in other island community groups and events.

Bob Henderson is a fellow of the College of Family Physicians, with many diverse interests in medicine, practicing family medicine for 34 years, living on Gabriola for six years and presently working on Hornby Island half-time. He also earned a diploma in sports medicine and has worked with the College and the federal Committee for Drug-Free Sports. As well, Bob has been an active artist for over 20 years, having had five solo art shows - the latest has just opened on Hornby.

Harvey Graham, a retired partner of the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, who, in addition to being treasurer of Gabriola Health Care Society, is currently treasurer of the Gabriola Island Community Hall Association and the Gabriola Residents and Ratepayers Association.

Daille Hoffmann graduated in Medicine at the University of Alberta and completed a residency in rural family medicine in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Prior to moving to Gabriola, she practiced medicine in Northern Ontario. She is Gabriola's only full time resident physician and, along with Dr. Bob Henderson, assists our first responders and paramedics with critical calls.

Lawrence Spero is a former professor and academic administrator in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He has served on the boards of a number of community health agencies, was on the steering committee of the Toronto Stroke Network and a founder of the Fragile-X Research Foundation of Canada.

Fulvio Limongelli is a retired General Surgeon who worked for many years in Montreal. He was Executive director of the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation and also practiced medicine in Sechelt.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, April 2 2007

"Before we start the business of the meeting I would like to express the thanks of both the GHCS board and myself to Fred Geater for his vision and leadership in getting the Gabriola Healthcare Clinic (both the interim and final) accepted by both Gabriolans and VIHA. Unfortunately he will not be able to continue in the role of president because of an ongoing health issue. As his health allows he will be taking a role in fundraising and the project is still very dear to his heart.

The board would like to present this Norfolk Pine to Fred, through his wife Marylyn who is here this evening. We hope its sturdy growth to date represents how far we have come since starting on the project just before Christmas 2006. As it grows - and apparently they can get to 80 ft. in its native Australia - it will, we hope, parallel the growth of the project culminating in the opening of the permanent facility in the next two to three years."

President's Report

"Everybody involved in the clinic from physicians, to VIHA and individual Gabriolans is contributing to making this enterprise a success. The unprecedented support from donors and volunteers on the island has amazed the board and has greatly impressed VIHA.

We have agreement from VIHA on the nature of the interim clinic. We have discussed workload and overhead costs, etc. in the interim facility with the health authority and the physicians involved and have arrived at what we and they think is a workable arrangement to get the interim clinic up and running.

We are awaiting the documentation confirming VIHA's share of the rent in the interim clinic that was agreed to in principle in Victoria earlier in March.

Other aspects of this plan, relating to potential VIHA use of the clinic also require additional information from VIHA before we can give board approval for the renovations to proceed. We hope to get this in the next 10 days.

As guardians of the money donated to GHCS we have a responsibility to ensure that we minimize risk and maximize the benefits to Gabriola's health. Working with government never precedes at a fast enough pace. We thank everyone for their patience. We are almost there.

We also have VIHA agreement on the vision for the permanent clinic. Gabriolans will own and operate the permanent clinic, VIHA and the Health Professionals who operate out of the facility will pay rent which will cover the operating costs, building maintenance, etc."

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, April 2 2007

It was, as they say, the best of times and worst of times. But don't tell Fred about any of this - don't want to raise his blood pressure.

One of my most memorable days of 2006 was bopping around the island with Geater introducing him to some folks like Annette and Merv Sweeney and Ingrid Versteeg, who were among the first out of the blocks to raise funds for the newly formed volunteer organization of which he was suddenly president - the Gabriola Health Care Society.

We also stopped in at Twin Beaches to chat with Kelly Brooks, owner of the mall, and to look inside the vacant space that will now be opening within weeks as the first phase of a long held dream being realized, an island healthcare clinic.

Arriving back in my driveway, Geater - a retired bank manger and passionate musician, family man and woodworker - announced: "This is a winner. I can feel it. This healthcare clinic can happen. I'm quitting my part-time job in the tool department of Home Depot."

The worst day so far this year: a visit by Fred and GHCS V-P Lawrence Spero, with the sad and tearful news that for health reasons he was stepping down.

Fred is going to freak when he sees this. I've had to coax him into being part of photos. He is by nature, a leader with a "low profile."

But the best way of presenting information is through an individual story and there are some facts that have to be shared with folks who still insist: "I don't agree with this temporary clinic at Twin Beaches. We're wasting money."

"Back up the truck!" Brooks would say.

It is an interim clinic, an essential phase in creating a permanent facility. It is located in the only space available on the island which can accommodate the necessary components of a healthcare clinic. And every dime spent will be recovered in rents and go directly to the permanent clinic. Once again, interim and not a red cent being "wasted."

Here's what Geater told the Sounder months ago when the decision was made to establish an interim clinic first:

"Two main reasons. The first is that the current situation - with only one doctor available for on-call duty - is unsustainable. And another doctor will move here if we begin to put an urgent care facility in place.

"The second is that we have to act quickly to take advantage of the Vancouver Island Health Authority's new primary care program, which is designed to treat people as near to their location as possible, in order to cut emergency room visits.

"And we all know that emergency room overcrowding is a serious matter throughout the province and also unsustainable," he added.

Definitive, well-researched and to the point, illustrating one area of expertise he brought to the job: constantly stressing the need for "due diligence."

Among other things Geater did is something that is long overdue on our beloved Gulf Islands: he took it upon himself to find exactly what healthcare services were available elsewhere, patiently collecting data one phone call at a time, so that, at last, we had facts at hand rather than rumour and hearsay.

He also put together the questions and answers that were published recently in the Sounder, another remarkable example of determined community minded due diligence.

He brought with him a record of service from the Rotary Club to Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Big Brothers and Crime Stoppers, which he founded in Nanaimo. From 1984 to 1999 he was a member of the District Hospital Foundation and held the offices of treasurer and president.

Gabriolans have been extremely well-served by all this. Make no mistake about it, without Fred Geater we would not be where we are today, which is a very long way from where we were just five months ago.

Someone is going to look at a yellow copy of this sometime in the future and note that Fred and his wife Marilyn made a magnificent and visionary contribution to this community.

There have been tense times of late. Characteristically, Fred told me: "I'm losing weight and I know for certain that you burn 180 calories an hour banging your head against a wall."

Still what he hoped and worked so hard for is being revealed to our collective sigh of relief.

I met Ingrid in the Village last week and asked if she had heard that Fred had stepped down. Unable to bear the look on her face, I added that he was only resting on his laurels, but would be back to add his considerable talent and skill, unfailing good humour and expertise, as well as his unwavering sense of the fundamental importance of service to the community in the form of fund-raising.

"That's good," said Versteeg. "I had terrible pains recently and had to go to emergency for the first time. I was pleased by the service, but look forward to the day when the clinic opens. Like I told Fred when I first met him months ago: this is for all of us and we need it."

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, April 2 2007

You are justified in feeling proud to be a member of the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS). And if you are a resident over 18 years of age, you are a voting member, no annual fees collected, no rise in your taxes, as promised.

Your society has raised $75,000, virtually all of it in less than three months, every cent in a very supportive community. None of this is government money, although GHCS has forged a working, ongoing partnership with the sometimes maligned Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and is hopeful that additional funding will be available from agencies and organizations.

Within two months GHCS will open an interim healthcare clinic located at Twin Beaches, comprising an emergency treatment room, offices for two doctors with two examination rooms each, as well as space for the delivery of other healthcare services, such as public nursing, homecare support and mental health services, and also a full physiotherapy clinic, all integrated at a level never possible before.

In doing so, GHCS has averted what can be described as the perfect storm of a medical crisis. The community was in imminent danger of losing the one doctor who responds to emergencies, was unable to recruit another full-time doctor, was also cut off from treatment options and other healthcare services for lack of a facility and was sending hundreds of patients to Nanaimo every year, unnecessarily, even as the harbour patrol vessel was heading into a five-week re-fit.

Last Monday evening, March 26th, the GHCS held its first AGM, electing a new volunteer executive and board of directors, introducing new by-laws, presenting a financial statement, answering all questions from those who packed the W. I. Hall and more, in a well-organized and highly informative 60 minutes!

Replacing interim president Fred Geater on the executive is former vice president, Lawrence Spero. Our new vice president is Fulvio Limongelli. Taking over from interim secretary, Margaret Litt is island pharmacist, Tracie Der. Still on board is treasurer Harvey Graham.

Rather than filling some very big shoes, Spero's role will be to lead the GHCS into the next phase of achieving society goals, including opening and equipping an interim clinic, a phase in building a permanent facility.

He is highly qualified: a former professor and academic administrator in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Lawrence has served on the boards of a number of community health agencies, was on the steering committee of the Toronto Stroke Network and a founder of the Fragile-X Research Foundation of Canada.

Limongelli was previously a surgeon in Montreal and had worked in Sechelt, is highly committed and has already been a great help on the building committee.

Litt, a brilliant researcher with invaluable contacts and knowledge is currently Provincial Coordinator of the Infection Control Network, has extensive experience as a public health advisor and senior epidemiologist and in building collaborative health projects locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

Margaret played a key role in formulating GHCS's impressive and very successful proposals to VIHA.

Tracie Der, a pharmacist for 20 years and co-owner of the Gabriola Medicine Centre/Island Apothecary (for 13 years) and the new Nanoose Medicine Centre, has been active on the GHCS board since its inception with first-hand knowledge of healthcare needs on the island.

Harvey Graham, a retired former partner of the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, is currently treasurer of a number of Gabriola non-profit societies, including the Gabriola Island Community Hall Association and the Gabriola Residents and Ratepayers Association.

He has been instrumental in everything from incorporating the society, attending myriad meetings with Geater, Spero and others, to ongoing work in creating a foundation, as well as expertly managing the complicated business of keeping track of fund-raising.

The Sounder asked Spero for a copy of his notes from the first AGM. See, "Lawrence Spero: The first GHCS President's Report."

"I did say more, I couldn't stop myself from going ad lib. It's the first time I actually wrote things out, never again," he said. "There will be much more information at a later date once the interim clinic is up and running."

The Sounder will continue to keep our readers up-to-date on work being done and as more information becomes available, including comments from the newly elected board of directors.

In the meantime to paraphrase poet Robert Browning: "A man's reach should exceed his grasp or what's a healthcare clinic for?"

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, April 2 2007

The Sounder asked Fred Geater to E-mail a few words, which he sent, as follows:

Why Gabriola Health Care Centre will be a success.

When I signed up to get involved with GHCS, little did I know what a great experience it would be. I unfortunately had to resign due to a health event caused by ongoing circulation problems, but hope to contribute again soon.

The new Board of Directors elected at the recent AGM is a group of people who are very capable and well equipped to carry on this important venture on behalf of the community. This is one reason why success is assured.

I have learned a lot about Gabriola over the past few months, by getting out and meeting so many people. In all my years of doing volunteer work in Nanaimo and elsewhere, I have never met so many people who are kind, caring of others, and willing to help improve living conditions in their community.

Gabriolans:

• Step up to the plate when they realize something is "the right thing to do."
• Are willing to work tirelessly to ensure good things happen.
• Have very diverse talents and are stepping forward with all kinds of technical and professional skills, magically just when that skill is needed.
• Are not looking for a handout. Where healthcare is concerned, Gabriolans have opened their pocketbooks and earned government's respect and support.

For all of these reasons, a health care clinic will soon be a reality. If you have the time, please consider becoming involved with GHCS. I'm certain you will enjoy working with other Gabriolans as much as I have.

Regards, Fred Geater

See what we mean.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, March 26 2007

After what he called a "successful meeting" with officials from the Vancouver Island Health Authority in Victoria on Thursday, Lawrence Spero - vice president of Gabriola Health Care Society - said VIHA continues to be very positive and supportive of the goals of the GHCS, including proposals for both an interim and permanent healthcare clinic.

He said VIHA has become directly involved in updating the renovations and requirements for an emergency treatment room, which is integral to both facilities.

In addition, the health authority is involved in a process with their colleagues in such fields as home care, mental health and public nursing, to provide services through the Gabriola healthcare clinic.

The providers of these services will pay their share of the rent of a building, which will be added to the rent being paid by doctors and other healthcare professionals. This enables the GHCS to recover costs of the interim clinic and utilize all of these funds for a permanent facility.

In a related matter, he said VIHA is involved in ongoing negotiations with the island's only current full-time physician, Dr. Daile Hoffmann, regarding coverage for emergency service and care of patients not registered in her practice.

This is a private discussion, outside the mandate of the GHCS.

He also confirmed that another full-time doctor is committed to relocating to the island as a result of the society's success and widespread community support.

"The clinic is in good shape," said Spero, who was accompanied by two other members of the volunteer interim board of the GHCS, Harvey Graham and Dr. Don Butt.

Spero also said he was delighted by the success of the first public fund-raising on St. Patrick's Day weekend: "I spent several hours rolling toonies; I have never seen so many at one time and the GHCS applauds the fund-raisers and all those who made donations and asked for more information."

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, March 26 2007

At press time, $21,900 had been raised by the Gabriola Health Care Society during its first public fund¬raising campaign, Thursday, March 15th, to Saturday, March 17th.

"Congratulations to a wonderful team," GHCS vice-president Lawrence Spero E-mailed locals who took part in the effort. "You did a fantastic job in not such great weather. There was quite a buzz and lots of questions answered. I have never seen so many toonies and $5 & $20 bills.

"The board of GHCS and the people of Gabriola thank you for your efforts," he added. "Please pass this message on to any volunteers I might have missed."

The Sounder also salutes everyone who took part and chatted to some of them about the experience of talking to their fellow residents about the society's proposals.

Pat Smith, who not only donated $5,000, but also suggested that the money be used to match individual donations, said: "Arbutus Building Supply gladly supports the improvement in the delivery of healthcare services on Gabriola."

Smith and others were amazed and delighted that the result exceeded expectations. His idea was to add one dollar to every two that was raised, which put the goal at $15,000. In the end, an additional $6,800 was donated.

Nancy Nevison got the ball rolling by arriving at the Gabriola ferry terminal a half hour before the 6:45 am sailing Thursday morning. By noon she had collected $774.52.

"People were rolling down their windows before I got to their vehicles," she recalled. "Many had the money out of their pockets and purses before I got to their vehicle in the lineup and some had cheques already made out."

Many of the fund-raisers praised the good work of organizer Randi Lynch. "I have been reading about the GHCS in the Sounder," she reported. "That was all I needed to get motivated; I get involved in whenever I can if something is being done to improve life on the island and this really is for all of us."

There were some surprises in store, including seeing fund-raisers she hadn't met who were collecting money, including Lions members and those who just showed up and wanted to help.

Beta Sigma Phi members had already passed a donation can around at a meeting in advance of the start of fund-raising, Lynch said, and perhaps the highlight was returning to her office to find an envelope with "We Want to Make Pat Pay," written on the front.

"Inside was a cheque for $2,000 from a long-time resident," she said.

Among those who were at Lynch's side during plans and preparations were Nevison, Marilyn Geater and Sandra Miller, a nurse who has worked for the Vancouver Island Health Authority since 1979.

"I am taking a short breather before returning to work in May," she said. "Among other things, I have worked in home care here on the island, on and off, and I have seen first hand how much we need to deliver a range of healthcare services on Gabriola."

Miller and other fundraisers fielded lots of questions, armed with the two-page document published in last week's Sounder, including the role of nurses, which has yet to be determined, and ongoing questions about private and public involvement, which was also dealt with in last week's Q and A.

"The overall feeling is that Gabriolans want this to happen," said Miller, who like many others signed on for multiple shifts in locations all over the island. "Some people said they had seen us as many as four times."

Everyone the Sounder talked with agreed that those who indicated that they didn't support the GHCS goals was less than one per cent of the hundreds of people fundraisers talked with.

Karen and Bill Hatton, who have lived on the island since 1984, were at the ferry lineup for three sailings - from 9:30 to 11:30 am - on Thursday and Friday.

"We collected everything from pennies, nickels and dimes, up to $500," said Karen, who said she was personally motivated.

"My father was seriously ill last year and I had to call on the ambulance three times," she reported. "Once I had to go over to Nanaimo with him in the patrol vessel at night just to get medication for pain. It made me somewhat angry and very concerned at the time.

"It is extremely important that we improve health care on the island, especially since new census reports of our very high growth in population," Karen added.

Nevison has raised money for UBC and Cats Alive, and others in the past, Not long ago she was a familiar sight in the ferry lineup. She retired a year ago and was teased by some that already she was back begging for money.

And she says she never made it all the way through a lineup, because of the need to answer questions and quickly catch up with folks she hasn't seen for some time.

"I also volunteered on Friday and Saturday in the Village and was amazed at the reaction of young people," she reported. "Young families are very busy and often under time and financial constraints, but they gave money to their young children, some who came back out of stores. And teenagers gave us their pocket money, rather than spend it on treats on the weekend."

What seemed like a small army of fundraisers, was in fact only 20 dedicated volunteers, inspired by the generosity and vision of a local business.

And so Gabriolans began with a very strong first step toward building a permanent healthcare facility on the island, erasing any doubt whatsoever that ours is a community which is taking responsibility with a very high degree of awareness and goodwill.

The GHCS goal is to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, stabilize patients, cut the number of patients making unnecessary trips to emergency in Nanaimo, and begin to integrate health on Gabriola.

For more information, including how to make donations, visit: www.ghcs.ca.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, March 19 2007

In a long-awaited letter to the Gabriola Health Care Society - dated March 9th - the Vancouver Island Health Authority agreed to provide funding to supply an urgent care room on the island.

Although the members of the interim volunteer board of directors of GHCS welcomed the news, they stress that many details remain to be worked out.

The goal of the society has always been to build a permanent healthcare facility on Gabriola, and a decision was made to establish an interim facility as a first phase.

This will enable the community to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, stabilize patients, cut the number of patients making unnecessary trips to emergency in Nanaimo, and begin to integrate health services on the island.

The interim facility will include the equipped urgent care room, two doctor's offices, a physiotherapy clinic, and space for a range of other health related services.

The letter from VIHA was signed by Allison Cutler, Executive Director - Medicine/Family Practice/Chronic Disease Management/Primary Health Care.

"It is our expectation that as we move forward with our collaborative long-term plans and a permanent facility, we will be able to determine what additional equipment may be required to support the urgent care needs of Gabriola residents," she wrote.

"I would like to express my congratulations to the Gabriola Health Care Society in your efforts and early success in mobilizing the community to bring stable, appropriate and effective improvements in primary health care to the island," she added. "We look forward to developing further collaborations with you in this endeavour."

In a subsequent press release, March 13th, Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon, called the decision "a great cooperative effort between the community and VIHA."

The funding, the health authority reported, is consistent with support provided on other Gulf and Discovery Islands.

"Enhancing primary health care centres within VIHA communities is a key priority outlined in our five-year strategic plan and we are committed to working in partnership with our communities to find creative, affordable solutions to community needs," VIHA Board Member, Ed Robinson explained.

Cutler is quoted in the release: "The Gabriola Health Care Society is providing the needed cooperation, shared vision and practical support to work towards developing feasible plans for enhanced primary care."

The document concludes: "VIHA's ultimate goal is to enhance primary health care on Gabriola and will continue to work with the community to explore various models of partnership and co-location of services in the future."

Discussions with VIHA are ongoing. Meanwhile, support continues to grow for GHCS proposals and public fund-raising officially kicked off last weekend; more than $1500 was raised on the first day.

Please see pages 7 and 11 for questions and answers, created to provide information in the same open and transparent manner which has characterized the GHCS approach since forming late last year.

For more information, see www.ghcs.ca.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, March 12 2007

At press time VIHA sent a letter to the GHCS committing their support to an interim and to a permanent primary health care facility on Gabriola.

They congratulated the Society for mobilizing community support and look forward to collaborating with Gabriolans on continuing to improve delivery of health care services. We will publish the letter next week. "This is very good news," said Fred Geater, interim President of the GHCS. "The letter couldn't have come at a better time since we are now starting fundraising for the permanent clinic having raised enough money for the interim facility."

The primary goals of the GHCS are to recruit and retain health care professionals, cut unnecessary visits to Nanaimo Emergency and integrate health care services.

Gabriola Sounder, Monday, March 12 2007

Pat Smith said: "Sure we will take loonies and two-nies, but we hope to see lots of 10, 20, and 50 dollar bills, when the money is counted."

He touched off a three-day island-wide St. Patrick's Day weekend fundraising drive with an offer from Arbutus Building Supply to add one dollar to every two donated up to $5,000.

Do the math.

Gabriolans could be $15,000 closer to a permanent healthcare clinic by Saturday night.

As always, the Lions will be doing their share this weekend. The club members and all the other volunteers in the event - which was organized by realtor Randi Lynch - will have forms for anyone who wants a tax receipt for donations of $20 or more.

They will also be able to answer any basic questions you have about GHCS proposals from information at hand, which will include question and answer sheets.

And if they don't know, they will take your name, number or E-mail so you will have an answer from the GHCS within three days.

Not wanting to intimidate anyone in the ferry lineup or other locations - Village Foods, Twin Beaches, Arbutus, Silva Bay and the Co-op and Liquor Store - or step on any other fundraiser's toes, they will be keen to bring everyone up to date on the plan and progress since the society was formed late last year.

All residents are GHCS members, donation, or not.

Until the end of the month if you purchase a sweater at Colleen's in the Plaza, next to the credit union, $10 will be donated to the GHCS, and you will immediately get warm, twice.

Further proof that there are rewards beyond just contributing to the health of the community, can be found at Medicine Centre in Folklife Village.

Pharmacist Tracie Der reported: "The clinic was a resounding success! Almost a full slate: 11 patients were screened for cardiovascular risk and they were all happy not only to have had the tests done, but also that the money was going to a good cause."

"We had a registered nurse in session for the day and she and I spent our time educating about the benefits of a healthy diet, regular exercise and adherence to medication regimens to reduce the risk and stave off heart disease," she added.

Medicine Centre has several mediums to help people understand more about heart disease and monitor their condition.

Sign up for the Healthy Heart Care and/or the Diabetes Care Programs to learn more, or the BpTru computerized blood pressure monitoring program. It takes a series of blood pressure readings and averages them; a record is kept and print-outs are available.

As well, an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor will conduct readings over 24-hour periods at pre-set time intervals, and is considered the "gold standard" in blood pressure measurement.

"The programs are available for a fee, but for 2007 these will be donated to the GHCS, an added incentive for patients to get educated and healthy," said Der. "Our one-day Healthy Heart Clinic raised over $300. Watch for our ads and posters for other healthy fund-raising events.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, February 26, 2007

As we await the VIHA decision to fund a trauma unit at the proposed interim healthcare clinic and provide remuneration for doctors on call, real progress is being made on Gabriola Health Care Society proposals.

It's a joy to take part!

Joining the interim board of directors is: Don Butt, representing The Gabriola Lions Club, and Brenda Fowler, representing The Gabriola Ambulance Society.

A first meeting of the fundraising group was held earlier in the month. Among the many ideas discussed was "The Year of the Clinic," in 2008.

A generous $5,000 donation from Arbutus Building Supplies has resulted in the launch of a two-for-one campaign. You give two dollars and Arbutus will add a dollar up to the donated amount.

Do the math.

That's 15 grand.

We're calling it the "Make Arbutus Pay," campaign, which has a certain ring to it and an appeal to customers of Gabriola's fine building supplier.

It's taking place during St. Patrick's Day weekend in honour of the patriarch of the Smith family. Consider this part of the fundraising kick-off. We will have more information next week, along with exciting news from the building group.

The Medicine Centre will hold a "Coronary Heart Disease" clinic day on Thursday, March 1st.

This program includes measurements of blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, body mass index and body fat percentage. The results of these indices will be recorded on a personal Health Report Card for those participating and will be compared to the Heart & Stroke Foundation's guidelines to assess the client's risk of developing a coronary "event."

Clients will receive their Health Report Card to keep with their individual results and heart health risk assessment, informational brochures and advice on lifestyle habits, physical activity, good eating habits and the importance of taking their prescribed medication.

"Space is limited and must be pre-booked and pre-paid to hold a place," Tracie Der reported. "The fee for this service is $29.95 and 100% of the funds collected will be donated to the GHCS.

"Anyone interested should drop by the dispensary for more information and to register, she added.

Don't forget you have until the end of March to purchase a sweater at Colleen's and she will donate $10 from each sale to the GHCS. Make Colleen Pay!

As always, visit and bookmark: www.ghcs.ca.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, February 19 2007

We have good news for you, all of you.

A $20,000 donation by the Gabriola Lions Club will help enable our community to take a major step forward in making significant improvements to healthcare on the island for many years to come.

"This needs to happen and our members are excited, not only to offer this support, but also to become actively involved on a meaningful and ongoing basis," club president Graham Miller told the Sounder, referring to the establishment of an interim clinic, an essential phase in building a permanent facility and meeting the current and long-term needs of the community.

The unanimous decision to make the generous donation was the result of a presentation by the interim board of the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) during a recent business meeting of Lions members.

"As the proposal was explained to us, it became apparent that an interim clinic was the best way to move forward," Miller recalled. "Failing to do so could have jeopardized finding permanent solutions.

"Rather than wait for a long-term facility, we wanted to help the community in making immediate improvements to healthcare on the island," he explained.

"In order to accomplish that goal we needed to support our current full-time physician, Dr. Daile Hoffmann and bring a second full time doctor to Gabriola, among other things," Miller added.

Recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals is fundamental to the GHCS proposal, which has been shared with the community and the Vancouver Island Health Authority after extensive consultation and due diligence by volunteers.

Providing primary care, including stabilizing patients, and integrating the delivery of healthcare services are other key goals.

VIHA officials are currently making a decision to fund a trauma unit in the interim clinic - likely to be located at Twin Beaches Mall - and to provide remuneration for doctors, while on-call.

As Gabriolans wait for that announcement, the society's interim president, Fred Geater had this to say: "The timing is perfect to assist us in our goal to show the decision makers that we not only deserve the urgent care facility that the community is asking for, but also to show that we stand willing and able to help ourselves."

The recognition of healthcare needs on the island and support for the GHCS has been phenomenal, yet continues to grow.

"Thanks to the generosity of many Gabriolans we now have the funding for the interim clinic, and are enthusiastically moving forward to the next phase," said Lawrence Spero, GHCS vice-president.

"Some amazing people have volunteered their skills to make sure that the Gabriola Healthcare Clinic works for the healthcare team, for the people who use it and for the community and visitors.

"I am proud of what Gabriola is bringing to this partnership with VIHA," Spero told the Sounder.

GHCS treasurer Harvey Graham reported: "We have now received close to $40,000 in donations from over 50 donors, including, of course, the very generous donations of $5,000 from the Gabriola Ambulance Society, as well as the $20,000 from the Lions Club.

"As fund raising has only just commenced, we are very encouraged by the generosity of the community," he said, and asked donors who contributed to the $2,200 raised through the initial efforts of Primary Health Care Gabriola, to please E-mail: information@ghcs.cs, to have your name recognized as a donor.

In the meantime, a first meting of the GHCS fundraising committee was held on February 8th.

"I think we got a lot done and are all of a mind to move forward and raise the funds necessary to create our permanent clinic," reported Geater. "Great ideas, and we have quickly become a focused working group."

The committee is seeking to raise funds in innovative ways so the GHCS does not interfere with the ongoing efforts of other groups in the community. For example, a generous donation by Arbutus Building Supplies has presented an opportunity for a new initiative next month.

For now, those who want to contribute can purchase a sweater at Colleen's, check out the information at the Medicine Centre, including a "Coronary Heart Disease" fundraising clinic on Thursday, March 1st, and visit the website: www.ghcs.ca.

Also, Spero and Brenda Fowler - who is representing the Gabriola Ambulance Society on the GHCS board - have been selected to participate in BC's "Conversation on Health Care" Forum in Nanaimo, February 24th.

We will have much more to report in upcoming issues of the Sounder.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, February 5 2007

The interim board of directors of the Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) met on Tuesday, January 30th, to continue what has become the hallmark of their volunteer work to improve island healthcare: due diligence.

They are being joined by representatives of both the Lions Club and the Gabriola Ambulance Society and will be announcing significant donations.

The Sounder will have more when the information is complete and accurate.

In the meantime, as always, there are rumours.

Our readers will recall that the GHCS grew out of early initiatives of healthcare professionals which resulted in a sign on North Road at what was believed to be the only option for what was then being referred to as a "medical clinic."

Creative expertise, acting in the best interests of the community, careful work and extensive consultation resulted in a decision to pursue the option of establishing an interim facility, the first phase of a permanent healthcare clinic.

This interim solution is intended to address the number of unnecessary, costly and time-consuming visits to the Nanaimo emergency room (estimated to be as high as 90%); provide a facility to stabilize patents, help the community to recruit and retain doctors, and integrate a range of healthcare services.

At press time, a Twin Beaches Mall location seemed to be the best interim option, but this is entirely dependent on VIHA support, most notably in the form of funding for an urgent care room and from the Medical On-Call Availability Program (MOCAP) which, among other things, "ensures that physicians & are compensated for being available."

VIHA officials are very supportive of the GHCS and its proposals and are equally well aware of the need and widespread community support.

The authority's decision represents a long-term commitment to Gabriolans and will follow an established process, worthy of the taxpayer applause.

In the words of several GHCS directors, "We have done our due diligence, now it is time for VIHA to do theirs."

"Complete upgrades and extensive renovations," have not begun at the preferred site with regard to an interim clinic and it does not matter if the number of other parties interested in this location creates an overload of the MV Quinsam.

VIHA must follow its established process.

However, through ongoing consultation with healthcare professionals, a detailed floor plan has been created.

As well, enough funds appear to have been raised to meet the interim goal, with, as promised, no tax increases and significant savings to the healthcare system, never mind the enormous improvements to our unsustainable and inadequate healthcare status quo.

GHCS directors hope a decision by VIHA - which has been fully informed that the site will not be available indefinitely - will be made by the end of this month.

However, there are no "done deals," including the selection of a permanent site.

If you are seriously interested in fundraising, a meeting has been scheduled at the WI Hall, from 2 to 4 pm, Thursday, February 8th. Call GHCS president Fred Geater - (250) 247-7542 - for more information.

As always, log onto and bookmark: www.ghcs.ca.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 29 2007

One of the best lines at the GHCS Town Hall meeting earlier this month was delivered by Tawny Maclachlan Capon. "I am wondering how we get a Senator to move here," she told the large crowd, after hearing how one Gulf Island acquired a million dollar facility, thanks, in large part to the fact that a resident there is a member of the Upper House.

The no-nonsense remark is typical, thoughtful, witty and memorable, from a long-time player and leader in this community, in the arts, as a voice and advocate in ferry matters, and more.

"This is not about me, that's not why I do it," she said, while we sat down to Chai tea and she shook her head as the family dog climbed up on a sofa.

Currently president of the Gabriola Ambulance Society, we asked her to speak for the board of directors - a broad based collection of paramedics, past and present, retired academics in fields related to medicine and concerned citizens, old and new - and the $5,000 donation that they have just made to the Gabriola Health Care Society.

"We are very supportive of the proposal to develop a high quality building to house doctors and equipment, provide basic physio services and support staff, who offer mental health and other services and a trauma room to stabilize patients, whether or not they are taken off-island," she said.

"The reason is not because we don't have excellent ambulance services, first responders or doctors, and other healthcare personnel," she said. "Let's be very clear about this: we do the very best that we can, with what we have.

"However, we deserve this facility as a community and as Canadians," she continued.

Looking in a file on the table in her comfortable kitchen she reported that the Gabriola Ambulance Society has some 530 household members, an estimated 1,200 people, in total.

"One reason that the board of directors made the donation is that we want this to be a better island for our members," said Capon.

"We all chose to live on an island and that reality carries a risk, including having to go to Nanaimo, when necessary. But compare our situation with other communities that have better health care services, Nanoose, for example," she continued.

"Residents there can drive downtown in about the same time as it takes us to get to Nanaimo and there is no ferry schedule to consider."

The society was established 37 years ago, she reported. "Residents wanted to improve home care services, because some people needed help, big time.

"There was no BC Ambulance Services at the time, which began, I believe, in the 1980's," Capon added. "Our first ambulance was a second-hand hearse and the guys from T&T would drop their tools, quickly wipe their hands and coveralls, and show up when it was needed."

She has been coming to Gabriola for 30 years, and 20 years ago, she, her husband John and their young family became permanent full-time residents.

A plumber who was working on their house informed them that unless Gabriola acquired more paramedics, the island was in danger of losing its ambulance.

That's when Tawny decided to take the necessary training, including acquiring a class-4 drivers license.

At the beginning of her 10 year service, paramedics were on-call for one week, either at night, or during the day, or all weekend. They exchanged pagers, because they only had a few to go around and they received pay only for responding. .

Patients who needed to see a doctor were taken to the office in the basement of a doctor's home, or to Twin Beaches, the site of the first doctor's office on Gabriola.

Also, back then, the ferry was still the primary means of after-hours emergency evacuation.

On one highly unusual night, she recalled that the ferry had to be called out four times and medical personnel in Nanaimo asked: "Is there anyone left on Gabriola?"

Over time the society has accumulated funds and invested the money wisely.

Forward thinking, it has given money to such initiatives as acquiring the life-saving LifePak equipment, contributed to Tele-medical services in Nanaimo, and lends money to paramedics to upgrade their training.

"We want to keep these people here," she said, producing a thank you letter from another society beneficiary, written by island resident Cole Birkett, who is pursuing a career as a registered nurse, due in part to a generous society scholarship.

Tawny thinks Gabriola needs to establish a volunteer group to pay regular visits to those who need it, beyond the strict confines of government home care and "Meals on Wheels".

And she would like to see the Home Support bus brought back ASAP, along with more nurses. Improvements in healthcare will continue to evolve over time, within that hallmark of rural life, in which a community takes responsibility, and folks look out for their neighbours.

In the meantime, she says: "The GHCS proposal isn't a huge deal, not a challenge that this community can't meet. We have succeeded in the past, and we need to get on with it and make this happen; to make further significant improvements to health care on Gabriola."

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 29 2007

Stop thinking "temporary."

Start using "interim" to describe current initiatives to improve island healthcare.

Better yet, get involved in first phase of the Gabriola Health Care Society's immediate plans, which are being realized as you read this.

That's the message the Sounder heard repeatedly in late-week conversations with some of the folks who are playing key roles in making the proposals a reality.

As reported earlier, the interim - there's that word again - board of directors of the volunteer GHCS (of which all residents are members) made a decision to establish a facility to offer immediate solutions to island healthcare problems.

Specifically, the society seeks to put new infrastructure in place which will accommodate another full-time doctor, a physiotherapist and an urgent care room to stabilize patients and cut unnecessary trips to the emergency room in Nanaimo. It will begin to integrate the delivery of improved local healthcare services.

Some Gabriolans were reluctant to support what they saw as a "temporary" fix and to donate to something other than a permanent facility.

However, GHCS treasurer Harvey Graham explained that rent will be paid by professionals who work at the interim clinic and expenses will also be met through government funding.

As a result, all efforts and donations made will go directly to building the permanent healthcare clinic.

A $5,000 donation by the Gabriola Ambulance Society - and $2,000 raised through a cycling event on the island - along with individual donations, is now in the GHCS account, which stands at more than $16,000.

That is less than $10,000 shy of making the interim clinic fully operational.

The society is currently conducting due diligence on behalf of the community to optimize this important new phase. Included in their recent efforts is ongoing and highly positive contact with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA).

"I think of this as Phase One of an exciting new healthcare system on Gabriola," said Dr. Don Butt, speaking on behalf of his fellow Lions, who listened to a GHCS presentation during their business meeting last Monday evening.

"The clarity of the GHCS presentation and the answers that were provided to our questions resulted in a very favourable response and we are now in the process of determining how we can best support this," he added.

"We all know that some patients will have to go to hospital in Nanaimo, in much the same way that others have to be transferred to Vancouver or Victoria when treatment and services are unavailable, locally," he continued.

"But what we have before us is an opportunity that may not be available again for years, a humane initiative to substantially improve life in this community, which is the primary goal of the Lions Club," Butt added.

Ambulance Society president Capon said: "We do the very best that we can, with what we have. However, we deserve this facility as a community and as Canadians.

"The society directors are supportive because it will improve this island and the lives of our more than 1,200 members." See also Island healthcare? "Let's get on with it."

Medicine Centre pharmacists Tracie and Will Der have made a sizeable donation to the GHCS and now plan to do even more.

"Over the last few years we have developed a number of professional services related to heart health education, blood pressure monitoring and diabetes/asthma education." Tracie reported. "We intend to take this opportunity to market them and offer every penny generated for 2007 by folks subscribing to them to the GHCS.

"We can help in two ways," she explained. "First, by subscribing to one of our health care monitoring/education programs, Gabriolans will learn more about getting and being healthy, thereby reducing the likelihood of a visit to emergency.

"As well, the fees will go directly to the GHCS to help build and maintain an urgent care facility on Gabriola," she concluded.

In the meantime, Colleen Walker reports brisk sales of sweaters at Colleen's Garments and Gifts (next to the Coastal Community Credit Union in the Gabriola Plaza on North Road).

"Men are coming in and buying sweaters in increasing numbers," she reported. "It's not just because of the weather. They are telling us that they want to take advantage of this opportunity to help support the GHCS."

Walker will donate $10 from all sweater sales to the healthcare society until the end of March.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 15 2007

GHCS to make first important decision by January 23rd

Following a very successful Town Hall Meeting, last Sunday, the interim board of the Gabriola Health Care Society voted unanimously to act on the need to find a temporary, short term solution to several problems on the island.

The decision was made at a meeting on Tuesday evening, January 9th and a deadline of Tuesday, January 23rd was fixed to inform the community.

There are two major reasons to act now: the pressing need to recruit and retain healthcare professionals and the growing recognition that Gabriola must establish urgent care services as soon as possible.

For several years now the community has been unsuccessful in recruiting doctors and other healthcare professionals and services, because improved facilities are required.

However, a highly qualified doctor is now willing to move his family and establish a medical practice here, if new infrastructure is in place.

A facility designed to offer a temporary solution can be fully operational while the community works on building a permanent healthcare clinic, which will take at least a year.

It is also estimated that the community will have to raise $35,000 to put this short-term facility in place, however the GHCS has already raised about $5,000.

And the society board advises that significant improvements to island healthcare can be quickly realized in this short-term solution.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) is on record in support of the goal of creating additional primary care on the island - and other health services - and will be a source of some funding.

And health care professionals will pay rent at the temporary clinic.

Also, as reported earlier, the current situation where only one doctor works full-time and is on-call for emergencies, is unsustainable in the short-term.

It is increasingly apparent - and made crystal clear at the Town Hall Meeting - that Dr. Daile Hoffmann needs community support as much as we need her to continue to practice medicine on Gabriola.

At last Sunday's meeting, along with several "horror stories" of recent emergency evacuations, she shared this revelation: it is estimated that as many as ninety per cent of those who visit the emergency room in the regional hospital in Nanaimo from Gabriola, in all probability don't need to make that trip and strain the system.

The GHCS has managed to recruit more active members who will work on several phases of the proposal, including site location of a permanent healthcare clinic, land and building requirements and fundraising.

In the meantime, the due diligence that was so obvious during the Town Hall Meeting is now focused on several short-term options.

Another VIHA meeting has been arranged to report on overwhelming community support for the proposal and the interim board is also meeting with members of the community.

The Sounder will report to its readers - including on our website, for those who can't get a copy of the newspaper - as information becomes available and encourages everyone to visit and bookmark: www.ghcs.ca.

Inside this week's edition is a report on Town Hall presentations, a story on questions and reactions - notably, a wide range of enthusiastic support - and highlights of the most recent communication from VIHA.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 15 2007

That's a common question we all ask when someone is experiencing a medical problem and Gabriola's community has just that, according to Dr. Daile Hoffman - who is the island's only full-time physician - and other healthcare professionals who spoke at the GHCS Town Hall Meeting, January 7th.

Praising Gabriola's first responders, paramedics, home care workers and nurses who come to the island from Nanaimo to offer some services, Hoffmann stressed the immediate need for space dedicated to acute care, and for another doctor, as well as a physiotherapist, to begin the process of integrating and improving health care here, as quickly as possible.

"We do the best we can with what we have, but we can do much better," she said.

When pressed by local resident Dee Lauder - who categorized herself as "suspicious, practical and hard-nosed" - Hoffman recalled three incidents in recent weeks.

In one case there was a four-hour wait for the harbour patrol vessel to arrive for a late-night emergency evacuation.

In another, it was unavailable. So was the backup, an open Coast Guard Auxiliary Zodiac. So a helicopter was summoned, a very expensive option.

Finally, there is the ongoing problem of day-time emergencies during the afternoon shift change of the ferry crew.

"You don't want to have a heart attack at 1:25 pm on Gabriola, because the next ferry isn't available until 3:10, when you are already far beyond the "Golden Hour" of treatment," she advised.

The GHCS is tackling the difficult task of compiling Gabriola statistics such as 9-11 calls, ambulance use, and emergency room visits. The absence of these stats has bedeviled those who have wanted to make improvements for years - and is a major factor in convincing the shrinking number who remain unconvinced of the need for urgent care.

We do know there were 339 ambulance calls between January and October, and more than 90 per cent of these did not need to be treated in an emergency ward.

Pharmacist Tracie Der, co-owner of the Medicine Centre with her husband Will, is a GHCS board member and has made a sizeable donation.

"Will and I estimate that demand for prescriptions has more than doubled, if not tripled in 10 years," she reported, adding that desperate people show up at their home at night with medical problems.

"I had some first aid training in high school, but that's it," said Der. "All we can do is call 9-11, which begins the downhill roller coaster ride to Nanaimo, although people would be much happier being treated here at home."

Dr. Bob Henderson - who also responds to late-night emergencies when he isn't practicing medicine on Hornby Island - spoke about the difference a clinic has made there, including patients being treated immediately and recovering more quickly.

And Tawny McLachlan Capon, president of the Ambulance Society - which supports the GHCS and will be making a donation - recalled her 10 years service as a paramedic on the island and cases where local treatment would have been preferable.

Retired physician Don Butt spoke about his experience in communities across the country, the fact that he was now a recipient of healthcare and pledged full support of the Lion's Club.

Dr. Verne Smith, who works with Hoffmann part-time and is also becoming more of a user than a provider, said: "After 12 years of practicing medicine on Gabriola, I can attest to the difficulty of recruiting and retaining doctors and that we lucked out when we found Daile."

Sue Prior, an island based physiotherapist who also works in the hospital in Nanaimo brought another dimension to the local problems: the increasing number of people who are having knee and hip operations in Vancouver and Vancouver and returning home to Gabriola to slip though the cracks in home-care support.

Dr. Geoffrey Harding had some misgivings. He said that the Town Hall presentations represented a "wish list," adding that one hurdle was government.

"They have good talkers, but apparently, so do we," he said. "But we face competition from the medical revolution of walk-in clinics which are attractive to many doctors and should remember that when we moved to the island we gave up MacDonalds and Starbucks."

The GHCS's Lawrence Spero replied that he knew he had to go for Nanaimo for some things, but primary health care was not one of them.

He also applauded Harding's suggestion that nurse practitioners were needed and stressed that the society would provide a stronger voice for those who can't speak for themselves, and for the community.

Eric Boulton recalled that he had been here before drilled wells, hydro, paved roads and telephones and was confident he would also see a clinic on Gabriola.

Several days after the meeting, MLA Leonard Krog, who attended the Town Hall Meeting, told the Sounder: "The GHCS proposal has my full and complete support. Healthcare is an important issue on the island, which now has talented people and strong community support in place."

Although 150 people attended the meeting, thousands didn't. The Sounder will continue to cover this important story, including the GHCS decision to find a temporary solution next week, which may be announced after the January 22nd issue has gone to press.

We will also report on the challenges unique to Gabriola, the GHCS three phase approach and the immediate need for volunteers and fundraising.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 15 2007

An E-mail, January 4th, from VIHA officials - which followed an informal meeting, November 26th with GHCS - contains information of interest to all Gabriolans.

Here are the highlights of the message from Grant Hollett, director, Planning and Community Engagement and Victoria Power-Pollitt, director, Primary Health Care & Chronic Disease Management:

• The GHCS is to be commended for completing an excellent document "Enhancing Primary Health Care on the Island of Gabriola";
• The intention and direction described in the proposal aligns well with VIHA's "Primary Health Care Strategy, 2006/07 - 2008/09," released in June, 2006;
• GHCS plans represent an opportunity for a new partnership and opportunity;
• The principle premise in the PHC Strategy is to work as partners with interested communities and parties to: increase the number of people who have access to primary health care services; increase health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and chronic disease management services; expand the number of Primary Health Care services that operate 24 hours a day; establish interdisciplinary primary health care teams; and facilitate coordination and communication with other health services, such as specialists and hospitals.
• VIHA has expertise and resources that will be available to support the planning and implementation processes envisioned by the GHCS;
• The authority will identify its possible role and contribution through the detailed developmental process specified in the GHCS proposal and work with the society to ensure that the scope of services to be provided at the Gabriola Primary Health Care Centre is appropriate, sustainable and of the highest quality.

Following the Town Hall Meeting, and evidence of community support, VIHA will work through subsequent phases with GHCS to collaboratively enhance primary health care on Gabriola.

Fred Geater, interim GHCS president - to whom the E-mail was addressed - shared the good news at the Town Hall Meeting and it has been posted at

www.ghcs.ca

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 15 2007

On behalf of the Gabriola Ratepayers, which organized the long-awaited Town Hall Meeting Sunday, January 7th, Bart Jessup welcomed about 150 people who packed the Community Hall.

He then introduced the panel and an agenda which would include presentations by members of the interim board of the GHCS: Margaret Litt, secretary; Fred Geater, president; Lawrence Spero, vice president; and Dr. Daile Hoffmann, the only full-time doctor on the island and the physician on-call for emergencies.

Litt, a nurse with national credentials, currently coordinator of the provincial Infection Control Network, set the tone for the meeting with a comprehensive overview and informative power point presentation: "Enhancing Primary Health Care on Gabriola Island."

She began with VIHA's definition: "Primary Health Care involves health care providers working in teams to provide a range of everyday health services on a regular ongoing basis to help people stay healthy and prevent injury, get better, manage illness or disease and cope with the end of life."

By way of background she listed statistics: the RDN has the highest population growth on Vancouver Island and percentage of individuals over 45 in BC, the most significant challenge for VIHA over the next 20 years.

It is difficult to obtain demographic information specific to Gabriola, so Litt stuck with RDN stats: nine per cent of the population is 75 years or older (compared to 6.7 percent provincially) and this group accounts for 46 per cent of in-patient days.

Further proof of the aging population locally: central Vancouver Island will experience a 43 per cent increase in residents 85 or older by 2010.

And there were examples of the increased strain on hospitals, doctors, health and home support services from those with chronic ailments.

"There are no coordinated primary health care services on the island, and providers work in isolation, resulting in lost opportunities for intervention" said Litt, who reported that based on the 2001 census the physician/resident ratio on Gabriola is 1:200; and based on RCMP population estimates, it is 1:2750.

The recommended ratio in Canada is 1:995!

With an aging part-time physician base, Gabriola has no nurse practitioners, no facilities for health promotion (well baby clinics, for example), disease and injury prevention (e.g. immunization clinics), mental health services or coordinated chronic disease management.

The result, Litt noted, is that residents seek off-island care, a four or five hour trip, often being forced to find accommodation because of the ferry schedule.

And with no urgent care facilities there are no emergency cardiac drugs available, our local fulltime physician is not permitted to give child immunizations, lab work is available only three half days a week and there are no x-ray or ultrasound services.

"Patients either opt out of follow-up, or delay treatment to avoid traveling to and from Nanaimo," Litt reported. "In bad weather patients can't be transferred off-island and there is nowhere to house them."

There were 339 ambulance calls between January and October which take a minimum of four to five hours; with a number of transfers the ferry service is delayed and Gabriola is left without it's one and only LifePak and other resuscitation equipment.

Litt documented VIHA's current situation, its strategic objectives and the wish to build partnerships. All of the above information has been posted in more detail at www.ghcss.ca.

Geater is a retired bank manager with many years of volunteer service, including being president of the Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation.

Earlier he had told the Sounder that he was keen on primary health care, partly because in 1994 he had a severe heart attack on his property on the island and was driven to the ferry by his wife without being evaluated or stabilized.

Geater presented his research documenting what is available on other islands, pointing out that only Quadra - which is also a "short distance" away from the hospital in Campbell River - and Gabriola, don't have provisions for primary care.

Spero, a former professor and academic administrator in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, presented the GHCS goal of "an enhanced, seamless and locally accessible primary health care system."

He spelled out the vision and guiding principles of the society, the benefits of its approach and the three phases which have been mapped out to achieve its goal.

Information presented by Geater and Spero has also been posted on the GHCS site and in a subsequent presentation. Geater outlined "Next Steps," which led to the decision reported on page one of this edition of the Sounder.

Hoffmann shared her personal experience during profound silence in the Town Hall Meeting. Highlights of her observations and reaction from the large crowd can be found in the article, "GHCS: "What did the doctors say?"

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 8 2007

The Sounder attended the most recent meeting of the Gabriola Healthcare Society (GHCS), just before the Town Hall meeting, Sunday January 7th.

The interim board of directors of the volunteer society want to thank the community for its support, especially Colleen Walker, Annette and Merv Sweeny, and Ingrid Versteeg.

Walker is donating $10 for every sweater purchased at Colleen's Garments and Gifts until the end of March.

The Sweeney's, at their Wild Rose Farm and Garden Centre, raised more than $600 by generously donating 10 per cent of all sales of Christmas trees and gift items, poinsettias and pottery.

Merv and Annette also wanted to remind Sounder readers to strip their Christmas tree and take them to Wild Rose. For a $5 donation, Limber Tree Services will chip it and the mulch will be used at the Commons' Community Gardens. Money raised will be donated to the food bank.

Meanwhile back at Ardry Road and the amazing residence of Ingrid Versteeg and Francisco Asimbaya, the most widely read story about Gabriola continues to unfold, despite the fact that media attention - including the Globe and Mail - has gone away, along with the crowds for her Lights of Hope Festival.

"We raised more than $1,700 in just two nights," she reported and estimated that about 1,000 people enjoyed the now famous display.

"I'm already thinking about next year," Ingrid reported. "It would be wonderful if Gabriola Elementary School students staged a nativity scene. We need a choir and a few alpacas back in the trees."

The GHCS also has exciting plans as well and they invite you to join them on the interim Board of Directors, or on one of the work groups that have formed to: define land requirements (site); define building requirements; coordinate construction; raise funds, etc.

Please visit and bookmark www.ghcs.ca which is continually being updated with information, including how to make donations.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 1 2007

Concerned that weather may once again force a rescheduling of the first Gabriola Health Care Society (GHCS) Town Hall meeting, on January 7th; at press time the Sounder asked two key players to meet for coffee.

Dr. Daile Hoffmann - the island's only full-time physician and the doctor who responds to emergencies - and Fred Geater - interim president of the volunteer GHCS - agreed that some rumour and speculation is circulating in the absence of facts, and there are questions, lots of questions.

Here's the first big one: Why now?

"Two main reasons," Geater responded. "The first is that the current situation - with only one doctor available for on-call duty - is unsustainable. And we have a doctor who will move here if we begin to put an urgent care facility in place.

"The second is that we have to act quickly to take advantage of the Vancouver Island Health Authority's new primary care program, which is designed to treat people as near to their location as possible, in order to cut emergency room visits.

"And we all know that emergency room overcrowding is a serious matter throughout the province and also unsustainable," he added.

Not wanting to raise alarm needlessly, Hoffmann said: "We aren't in a crisis, but we are on the verge, and have to act to avoid losing the practice of medicine on the island.

"Gabriola is currently not competitive in recruiting and retaining doctors. We know this because we have been trying hard for several years to get other doctors to come here.

"Overhead on the island is too high to make a living and not enough support is in place - those are major reasons why we haven't been successful," she continued. "It boils down to this: why would a doctor choose Gabriola when they can earn more, work less, and in better conditions in many other places in BC?"

Dr Geoffrey Harding agreed, and told the Sounder that the major healthcare challenge facing Gabriolans is recruiting and retaining doctors.

He also said: "If you can get some VIHA funding, go for it, absolutely."

The early reaction from health authority officials is that what the GHCS is asking for is: "reasonable and appropriate."

During the interview Hoffmann also shared the most common question asked in the back of the ambulance: "Will I have to go to Nanaimo?"

She confirmed from firsthand experience that far too many patients from Gabriola are being taken to the emergency room in town for treatment, unnecessarily.

And she pointed out while the ambulance is off-island, so is Gabriola's acute care system, often for hours at a time.

Also, some of the cost of providing medical treatment on the island is coming out of doctor's pockets, or is unavailable.

Virtually none of the taxes that residents pay for healthcare are finding their way back to Gabriola, to say nothing of myriad other services which aren't here simply because the island lacks a suitable facility.

Seated at Raspberry's, we imagine that the person walking by the window suddenly had a heart attack.

"It is a myth that they would be 20 minutes away from the hospital," said Geater. "If everything worked absolutely perfectly, it would take at least 45 minutes.

"But that is highly unlikely and already pushing the medical profession's "Golden Hour". As well, this is the afternoon, not late at night."

Hoffmann - who is currently only responding to cardiac calls - said: "Our goal is to be able to treat our heart attack victims and others much more quickly."

"We need manpower, equipment, space and drugs, now, so we can do a better job," she reported. "Patients must be stabilized and treated when possible, rather than just automatically prepared for transport."

Several years ago, recognizing the imperative, Hoffmann began working to establish a clinic with others.

"It got to the point where community ownership was essential," she recalled.

"It was all coming to a head and the society was formed from the volunteers who came forward," added Geater. "As we identified the problems and options, it has become clear that we simply can't afford to wait."

Gabriola has less than half of the acceptable patient-doctor ratio and Geater conducted a survey of other Gulf Islands. He found that only Gabriola and Quadra - the two islands that are "20 minutes away from a hospital" - don't have a system in place to provide primary care.

"Other islanders have recognized the problems early and we have to catch up with Lasqueti, Saturna, Galiano, and places with much smaller populations and less growth, as soon as possible," said Geater, who intended to present the survey, along with other information at a Town Hall meeting in November, which was cancelled because of a heavy snowfall.

In the meantime, the GHCS has determined that both a short and long term solution are required. The latter will take time, but the former can't wait.

At the rescheduled Town Hall meeting at the Community Hall, on Sunday, January 7th at 2 pm, the GHCS will lay out why we need to make urgent improvements and where we are now in the process, including careful examination of all possible locations.

Hoffmann will provide a long overdue reality check and tell residents how safe they are on Gabriola.

The Town Hall meeting this Sunday will provide an important opportunity to present information and voice questions and concerns beyond the scope of this interview.

There is no intention to be negative, every attempt is being made to be positive and to conduct due diligence and listen to the community. As well, no one is acting out of self interest, seeking profit, or wants to raise taxes, or fears.

All residents are members of the GHCS and have a say. No fees will be collected. Please visit and bookmark the website: www.ghcs.ca.

Finally, this is perhaps the most important reason to attend the Town Hall: "We need volunteers, immediately," said Hoffmann and Geater.

By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder, Monday, January 1 2007

When Ingrid Versteeg decided to fire up her 36,000 lights in aid of the fledgling Gabriola Health Care Society, it was an opportunity to promote the website: www.ghcs.ca.

Off-island newspapers might be interested in her Lights of Hope Festival, particularly if they knew that BC Hydro suspected that she was actually interested in starting a marijuana grow-op when Versteeg requested a additional power line five years ago after she had collected a mere 20,000 lights to hang in the trees on her Gabriola property.

And so, on December 17th, the Province newspaper published "BC Hydro finds Christmas lights, not grow-op," with a photo of Ingrid and GHCS interim president Fred Geater. The story also ran on national newswires and in papers across Canada.

However, Ingrid left the island for Toronto before the story was printed. And so it was her husband Francisco Asimbaya who answered the phone when the Globe and Mail called, wanting to know more.

The national newspaper reported: "On Gabriola Island, just east of Vancouver Island, the 1.6-hectare property of Ingrid Versteeg has been a feature attraction in late December. Woven through the trees of their acreage are 36,000 Christmas lights, which in normal years is a show and a cancer fundraiser.

"But this is far from a normal year - those 36,000 lights are now scattered around their property after the windstorm swept over the island. "They all work, but they're on the ground. The wind is so ferocious," said Mr. Asimbaya, 57.

"The power was restored late Friday, but it will be a chore to restring the lights in time for the December 26th start. 'I will help her, all the way,' he said."

Poor Ingrid read about her lights, her husband and the storms in an airport on her way back to Gabriola. And her father and brother, in Toronto, who have the same surname, started getting calls from all over the country.

In the meantime, on December 19th, the Nanaimo News Bulletin, published a full-page story: "Hope lights burn bright, Gabriola resident raises lights, money for health care society."

Returning home she received a call from a TV station, asking her not to fix any lights until they sent a camera crew to the island to film her at work.

Versteeg had surveyed the damage and found that some of the lights had been disconnected in the wind, but for the most part - thanks to her careful attaching and studying of the winds on her property - it wasn't as bad as Francisco had reported in the Globe.

However, she also had to deal with television cameras. "It took me about a day and a half, but I got them all working," she told the Sounder.

On December 20th she hosted three carloads of seniors at her Lights of Hope Festival and raised $200 for the GHCS that evening.

The next day the Victoria Times Colonist called and on December 22nd published the interview: "Gabriola resident creates festive forest of lights."

"I think decorating a house is pretty boring. I also don't buy commercial gizmos like little reindeer or Santa Clauses. I just decorate the forest," she was quoted.

Versteeg also told the Times Colonist that she believes in the healing power of the lights. "A lot of the people who come to see the lights have been through a hard time themselves. This just seems to lift their spirits," she is quoted by the Victoria reporter.

On Boxing Day there was a "huge turnout," Versteeg said, "a steady stream of more than 500 people who donated almost $1,000 to the healthcare society.

One couple was en-route from Seattle to Victoria, read the Times Colonist story and showed up. Others had seen her on TV or read about her "in the Sounder, of course."

"Mystical" and "magical," were just some of the comments as folks stood in wonder at the base of trees and watched as the wind whistled through the strings of lights that had been carefully hung time and time again.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed," said Ingrid who, like many others, was looking forward to December 30th when GHCS members would be in attendance at her Lights of Hope Festival, weather permitting.

In the meantime, more than $600 was raised at Wild Rose Farm and Garden Centre, where you can take your Christmas tree (starting January 2nd) and for a $5 donation have it mulched for the community garden. Proceeds will go to the food bank.

Also raising funds for the GHCS is Colleen's Garments and Gifts (next to the Coastal Community Credit Union in the Gabriola Plaza, on North Road) where $10 will be donated for each sweater sold until the end of March.

The Sounder will have more on GHCS fundraising next week. Visit www.ghcs.ca. for more information and don't forget the Town Hall Meeting on January 7th, at 2 pm in the Community Hall.