Wanted: GP care for new immigrants
Vancouver Coastal Health’s Bridge Clinic is the first stop for most of the 1800 refugees who arrive in the Lower Mainland each year, providing much-needed and much-appreciated care. Clinic care focuses on the first year in the refugee settlement process and provides culturally sensitive preventive and primary health care to individuals and families starting new lives in Canada.
The clinic is looking for Lower Mainland general practitioners who are willing to take patients transitioning from their 12 months of care provided by clinic practitioners.
At Bridge Clinic, refugees are immunized, screened, and treated for communicable and tropical diseases. They receive primary health care, including screening for and treatment of female and child health conditions, as well as mental health and chronic diseases. Referrals to specialists and community agencies are made when necessary.
During the second year of settlement general practitioners can help refugee families establish a healthy life in their community by providing access to basic health care.
Physicians are needed in Surrey, New Westminster, Tri-Cities, Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack.
The University of British Columbia’s Department of Family Practice commissioned a half-hour documentary called Safe and Sound, exploring the transition experiences of refugees in Vancouver. The film’s trailer can be viewed at www.safeandsoundfilm.com.
Contact Patti Zettel at 604 709-6449 to learn more about accepting refugee patients transitioning from care at the Bridge Clinic.