BC’s Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) travels the province, lending its flexible and high-tech clinical space for many purposes: as a sub-in for emergency departments and other areas while a hospital or clinic undergoes a renovation; as additional treatment space for mass-event participants who need care or as the home to specialized public outreach clinics.

While the unit may provide the physical space and equipment required for these activities, the real asset is the team. Each team member brings a unique skillset and training, from critical care nursing and emergency management to Canadian Forces experience.

MMU team member Landon James, a critical care transport nurse with Interior Health, lent his expertise for the Squamish and Pemberton Music Festivals this summer. Vancouver Coastal Health was aware of his expertise and asked that he be part of the team. His presence at these festivals meant that the rest of the team at the local hospital could remain on site while Landon escorted patients to larger centres for care.

It’s a perfect example of how the MMU collaborates with health authorities to provide timely and appropriate patient care.

“A few years ago, the MMU team wasn’t receiving requests such as having a team member provide a specialized patient transport role. Now that our health authority partners are recognizing the breadth of our abilities, we’re seeing more innovative requests come in for the team,” said Landon.

“We continue to expand our services to ensure we’re meeting the ever-evolving needs of our colleagues and the patients who rely on us. MMU’s flexibility allows health authorities to offer different short-term clinical services without a major investment in starting up a new program.”

A shared provincial resource, the MMU is deployed to each health authority every year, providing renovation support, clinical education, public outreach and emergency and disaster relief.

More information

For more information on the MMU and the team, visit bcmmu.ca or follow us on Twitter.