Haugen Community HealthCare Society

In the past several years 4 doctors have left their practices in Armstrong and only 1 part time, semi retired physician agreed to come to the community. Most departing physicians advertised for replacements to no avail. Few doctors are now willing to work in partnerships, never mind alone

A key factor in attracting and retaining doctors, especially recent graduates, is a group practice which provides peer support, professional backup and coverage for personal and educational absences. A group practice must accommodate at least 4 physicians to be viable.

A second important factor is the physician’s ability to address the complex health needs of an ever aging population. Providing space within a practice to accommodate visiting allied health professionals promotes a team approach and coordination of services, resulting in more comprehensive care and improved ability to focus on and manage chronic health conditions.

A third factor is access to an electronic medical record system which saves valuable time, facilitates peer support and enables immediate access to test results and records in the larger health system. Specialists may also be consulted without travel or time delay.

The Haugen Community Healthcare Society (HCHS) was formed because no government or other agency was prepared to establish and finance the facilities necessary for a group practice. The Society developed a plan to provide a community health centre large enough to accommodate 4 physicians and visiting allied health professionals. These professionals include, among others, nurses committed by the Health Authority for integrated health networking and 2 physicians providing part time services, including specialized diabetic care.

By taking the lead in establishing a health centre the Society has kept one physician from closing his practice and has attracted 2 new physicians, all of whom will jointly recruit the fourth partner for the group practice. The new community health centre will retain the integrity of local primary healthcare. The facility opened in January of 2009. By summer there were 7000 Armstrong/Spallumcheen residents registered as patients.

Funds raised by the Society are used to provide the building, the renovations and the furnishings and equipment necessary for the health centre. No funds go to the doctors, who bill MSP and third party payers like WCB and ICBC for the services they provide. The doctors will pay rent to cover building related operating expenses such as insurance and maintenance and repair costs. They will also pay their own practice expenses such as salaries, telephone, utilities and medical and office supplies, and they have installed their own computer network and medical record system.

The health centre services residents of Armstrong, Spallumcheen and surrounding area. The centre occupies 3,700 square feet on the second floor of Pharmacy Plaza. This location offered suitable space on a timely basis and on preferred terms, including financing for renovation costs. The Society has a 5 year renewable lease and an option to purchase at fair market value as determined by independent objective appraisal. The goal is to purchase the property on behalf of the community as soon as sufficient funds are raised, thereby ensuring an ongoing community asset.

The Society saved our town from not having any local doctors. Armstrong used to have a hospital! It was closed by “health officials in government”. The community can now proudly show off a medical centre which will help attract and retain the primary care physicians who are a vital part of our social and business well being. You can become part of this community enterprise by contributing, and by becoming a Society member for an annual membership fee of $10.



	Home We Need Your Help Why Provide A Facility? Contact Us



	Why Provide a Facility for a Group Medical Practice? In the past several years 4 doctors have left their practices in Armstrong and only 1 part time, semi retired physician agreed to come to the community. Most departing physicians advertised for replacements to no avail. Few doctors are now willing to work in partnerships, never mind alone A key factor in attracting and retaining doctors, especially recent graduates, is a group practice which provides peer support, professional backup and coverage for personal and educational absences. A group practice must accommodate at least 4 physicians to be viable. A second important factor is the physician’s ability to address the complex health needs of an ever aging population. Providing space within a practice to accommodate visiting allied health professionals promotes a team approach and coordination of services, resulting in more comprehensive care and improved ability to focus on and manage chronic health conditions. A third factor is access to an electronic medical record system which saves valuable time, facilitates peer support and enables immediate access to test results and records in the larger health system. Specialists may also be consulted without travel or time delay. The Haugen Community Healthcare Society (HCHS) was formed because no government or other agency was prepared to establish and finance the facilities necessary for a group practice. The Society developed a plan to provide a community health centre large enough to accommodate 4 physicians and visiting allied health professionals. These professionals include, among others, nurses committed by the Health Authority for integrated health networking and 2 physicians providing part time services, including specialized diabetic care. By taking the lead in establishing a health centre the Society has kept one physician from closing his practice and has attracted 2 new physicians, all of whom will jointly recruit the fourth partner for the group practice. The new community health centre will retain the integrity of local primary healthcare. The facility opened in January of 2009. By summer there were 7000 Armstrong/Spallumcheen residents registered as patients. Funds raised by the Society are used to provide the building, the renovations and the furnishings and equipment necessary for the health centre. No funds go to the doctors, who bill MSP and third party payers like WCB and ICBC for the services they provide. The doctors will pay rent to cover building related operating expenses such as insurance and maintenance and repair costs. They will also pay their own practice expenses such as salaries, telephone, utilities and medical and office supplies, and they have installed their own computer network and medical record system. The health centre services residents of Armstrong, Spallumcheen and surrounding area. The centre occupies 3,700 square feet on the second floor of Pharmacy Plaza. This location offered suitable space on a timely basis and on preferred terms, including financing for renovation costs. The Society has a 5 year renewable lease and an option to purchase at fair market value as determined by independent objective appraisal. The goal is to purchase the property on behalf of the community as soon as sufficient funds are raised, thereby ensuring an ongoing community asset. The Society saved our town from not having any local doctors. Armstrong used to have a hospital! It was closed by “health officials in government”. The community can now proudly show off a medical centre which will help attract and retain the primary care physicians who are a vital part of our social and business well being. You can become part of this community enterprise by contributing, and by becoming a Society member for an annual membership fee of $10.

© Haugen Community Healthcare Society (www.OurHealthCentre.com) Web Design and Maintenance by WebManagementServices.com