Island Health says a $30 million provincial government investment aimed at stabilizing healthcare services in North Vancouver Island has resulted in more robust and cohesive staffing models and strengthened community support.

The provincial funding has supported new physician and staff recruitment, mental health and substance use enhancements, patient transportation amenities and capital projects, which Island Health says are helping to stabilize services and prevent temporary closures of local emergency departments.

“Everyone in British Columbia should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.

“We know that rural and remote areas have faced challenges with a shortage of health-care workers and access to specialized care, which is why this work is so important. It is amazing to see all that has been accomplished as people and communities come together to build out health-care resources in the North Island and I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.”

In terms of a dedicated transportation service for North Vancouver Island residents, nearly 4000 trips have been carried out on four routes linking patients and staff to health care sites in Port Hardy, Port Alice, Port McNeill, Campbell River and Comox.

That’s since the dedicated shuttle service was launched in 2023.

For more information, visit Island Health.