Central Coast April 1 transition goes through without a hitch

Amidst a backdrop of food and laughter, more than 150 Bella Bella and Bella Coola staff and physicians took part in separate celebration events marking the transition to becoming VCH employees earlier this week.

Staff and physicians at each location took time to recognize the past and look ahead to continuing to provide excellent health care in the Central Coast region.

“After months of planning and behind-the-scenes work, the transition has gone really smoothly and I think everyone is just looking forward to moving ahead,” says Michel Bazille, Coastal Director for Bella Bella & Bella Coola.

Michel is responsible for the two hospitals in the Central Coast region: R.W. Large Memorial Hospital in Bella Bella and Bella Coola General Hospital in Bella Coola. She says, “I think I can speak for most staff when I say that we’re looking forward to sharing information about the Central Coast region with the rest of the staff and managers around VCH and learning more about the other parts of Coastal in the process.”

One common misconception by folks in the Lower Mainland that Central Coast staff are often faced with is an understanding of the location of the communities. Despite the similar name, the two communities are separated by either a four-hour boat ride, flights to/from Vancouver or by chartering a float plane and going direct. Definitely not

Pat Townsley, Coastal Director for Powell River, who has also supported the transition to VCH, will retain her role as Central Coast Liaison as well as oversee the operations of the medical clinics located at the hospitals in both Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Bella Coola General Hospital staff came out over an hour or so on Tuesday, April 1 to meet up and share cake, coffee and stories. Along with Bella Bella staff and physicians, the Bella Coola folks are new to the VCH team, adding more than 150 new faces to VCH-Coastal.