Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid presents Dr. Douglas McGregor with the BC Cancer Community Care Award.
Congratulations to Dr. Douglas McGregor, Regional Medical Leader for Palliative Care for Vancouver Coastal Health, who was awarded the Community Care Award by BC Cancer Agency on November 30 2012 at their annual conference held in Vancouver. Douglas was recognized for his “service and leadership in developing and providing hospice care over almost twenty years in the Okanagan and Vancouver areas.” His award was presented by BC Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. The award honors an exceptional individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty in providing care and/or support to cancer patients – someone whose efforts make a real difference in the lives of people dying with cancer. Douglas was recognized for his outstanding service, passion and leadership in developing and providing hospice care.
Douglas was nominated by his colleagues at the St. James Community Service Society, which operates Cottage Hospice and May’s Place hospice in Vancouver.
His many contributions to hospice care span almost 20 years from the mid-1990’s to the present. His interest in hospice began in the Okanagan when he volunteered with the Vernon Hospice development project, advocating for services at a time when there was no palliative or hospice care available in the region. After moving to Vancouver, he started working as a palliative care physician at the hospices operated by the St. James Community Service Society. He also became involved as a volunteer with the Vancouver Hospice Society (VHS). During his time as VHS vice-president he worked to build awareness of hospice needs in the community.
Douglas has also contributed advice and guidance in the early planning and approvals for the St. John Hospice. This facility, currently under construction, is located across from the UBC Botanical Gardens and is slated to open in summer 2013.
Douglas was a co-lead in building our VCH Palliative/End of Life Strategy, and since 2006 has worked with Palliative leaders in VCH and partner organizations to implement the strategy. He will be leaving us at the end of December to become the Medical Director of the Victoria Hospice Society. On behalf of everyone who has worked with Douglas during his years with VCH, I would like to congratulate Douglas on his new role. We will miss his leadership, passion, teamwork and vision at VCH. Victoria Hospice Society could not have a better Medical Director!
*Credit and thanks to BCCA for the picture and information.