The Vancouver Island Health Authority is expanding its Mt. Waddington health care team with the addition of two new nurse practitioners for Port Hardy.
The two new positions are posted on the VIHA website and will be in addition to the two nurse practitioners already providing primary health care services in the community.
“These new nurse practitioner positions in Port Hardy are a part of VIHA’s ongoing commitment to work with the Mt. Waddington Local Working Group (LWG) to develop a community-led plan to strengthen and stabilize health services in Mt. Waddington,” said Howard Waldner, VIHA president and CEO.
“These positions were developed in close collaboration with the LWG and with physicians practicing in the community,” he said.
“The contribution of nurse practitioners to the local health care team will improve access to and delivery of primary health care services in the community.”
Patients will be able to access the services of the nurse practitioners at both Port Hardy medical clinics and in community outreach settings including the Salvation Army, Sacred Wolf, Youth Clinic and Family Place.
“These new positions are welcome additions to our health care team in Mt. Waddington,” said Alison Mitchell, Senior Manager for the region. “The addition of these two nurse practitioners will not only improve access to primary health care services but will also allow for expanded hours for residents to access primary health care services in the community.”
Nurse practitioners are integral members of the health care team. The role of a nurse practitioner is to provide primary care working in close collaboration with a family physician. They can diagnose illness and disease, write prescriptions for medication and refer patients to physicians or specialists. Nurse practitioners complete a Masters Degree in Nursing and have advanced clinical skills to manage medical conditions.
VIHA anticipates the two nurse practitioner positions will be filled in the near future. To view the postings visit: http://www.viha.ca/careers/
For more information on the Mt. Waddington health region and the Local Working Group visit the VIHA website at the following link: http://www.viha.ca/about_viha/community/mt_waddington.htm