A new Community Primary Care Clinic is set to open in Penticton in the summer of 2025, enhancing walk-in care and helping to attract family physicians and nurse practitioners to the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) region. This innovative project reflects the collaborative efforts of local organizations working to strengthen primary care sustainability.

In addition to several longitudinal practices, the clinic will house the Community Walk-In Clinic, which began operating in October 2023 to provide care for patients without a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The walk-in clinic has helped reduce demand on local emergency departments by offering another option for people needing timely care.

This project results from partnerships between the SOS Division of Family Practice, SOS Health Care Society, Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, SOS Medical Foundation, and Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen. Each organization is dedicated to improving local primary care and supporting health care providers in meaningful ways.

Funding for the clinic aligns with broader efforts to enhance primary care in the region, with contributions from community partners such as the SOS Medical Foundation, which has committed $1 million. These funds, part of a larger initiative to strengthen primary care, support projects like the clinic while addressing other local health care priorities.

The clinic’s community-focused model has already attracted three new physicians, who are expected to begin working when it opens. This success highlights how collaboration and shared investment can make the SOS region an attractive place for health care providers to practice.

For more information about the fund and how it supports primary care in the SOS region, visit cfso.net/PrimaryCare.

The Penticton Medical Staff Association (PMSA) and SOS Division of Family Practice hosted the 2024 Medical Staff Association Awards and Holiday Social on November 28 at Kin + Folk.

Each year, providers who have been nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions to teaching and service in medicine are honoured.

Congratulations to Dr Michelle Scheepers (Anesthesiology), the 2024 PMSA Award recipient for Outstanding Service in Medicine!

Dr Scheepers has made exceptional contributions to medicine, including pioneering a pain management service at Penticton Regional Hospital and advancing healthcare through leadership and quality improvement initiatives like the SPOC project and a patient empowerment 'pre-hab' website. With extensive training, including the Physician Sauder Leadership Program, IHI Improvement Advisor Program, and an MBA, Dr Scheepers embodies lifelong learning and excellence. Her dedication, collaboration, and patient-centred approach make her a true leader and an inspiration to colleagues and patients alike.

Also nominated in the category of Outstanding Service in Medicine:

• Dr Brad Biagioni, Respirology 
• Dr Mike Bergunder, Emergency Medicine 
• Dr Rod Graham, Anesthesiology 
• Susie Lobb, Maternity 
• Dr Tim Bell, Orthopedic Surgery 

Congratulations to Dr Alison Turnquist (Emergency Medicine), 2024 PMSA Outstanding Teaching in Medicine Award Recipient!

Dr Turnquist is a dedicated educator whose innovative teaching and mentorship have profoundly shaped both residents and colleagues. She designs impactful learning opportunities with realistic scenarios and coordinates comprehensive case reviews that enhance the education experience. An advocate for evidence-based practice, Alison facilitates critical training sessions and thorough guideline reviews to ensure her team stays informed and prepared. Dr Turnquist fosters professional growth in a supportive, learner-friendly environment.

Also nominated in the category of Outstanding Teaching in Medicine:

• Dr Armellie dela Cruz, Obstetrics and Gynecology 
• Dr Michelle Scheepers, Anesthesiology 
• Dr Tiffany Bursey, CIS 
• Dr Rod Graham, Anesthesiology 

On September 12, members gathered at Linden Gardens for the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice Annual General Meeting, held on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Syilx Okanagan People.

After enjoying a wonderful meal, Board Chair Dr Jennifer Begin provided an overview of the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024. Auditor Chris Newton from Omland Chartered Accountants presented a summary of the Division’s financial standing.

Special recognition was given to retiring board members Dr Kevin Hill (six years), Director Eliza Terbasket (six years), and Dr Kyle Stevens (three years). Your contributions will be missed—thank you, Kevin, Eliza, and Kyle!

New to the Board is Dr Max Uhlemann, a clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience. Dr Driaan van der Vyver and David Kozier were re-elected, joining current directors Dr Jennifer Begin, Dr Tom Oliver, NP Viola Brown, and Rudy Enzmann.

The Division also extended congratulations to practitioners retiring or transitioning from full-time practice: Dr Mark Lawrie, Dr Wendy Richardson, Dr Alex Pugachev, NP Joselyn Law, NP Tyrone Maguire, Dr Michael Soutar, and Dr Anika Chowdhury.

The evening concluded with Dr Nico Preston, a data scientist and paramedic with expertise in health, technology, and innovation giving an engaging presentation on ‘AI In Medicine’.

VIEW the 2023 SOS Division Annual Report.

On August 9, doctors, nurse practitioners, community partners, and healthcare providers from the SOS, alongside members of the Syilx community and Division staff, gathered to create an informal, culturally safe space for connection, fostering strong relationships and trust.

The SOS Division extends its gratitude to the Syilx community for welcoming us to nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ, formerly Ashnola at the Crossing, for this immersive day of open dialogue in both small group discussions and as a collective. Discussions touched on the importance of understanding and accessing available resources to further strengthen healthcare and community connections.

Key topics explored included:

• Syilx culture and wellness
• Connection to the land
• The land's role in healing and illness prevention
• Community connections and collaboration

This gathering is intended to be the first of many, with hopes for future opportunities to connect in similar ways.

Primary care providers, geriatric specialists, LTC and IH leaders, nurses, and allied health providers gathered June 5 for the SOS Division's 7th Annual Long-Term Care Summit at Linden Gardens, Kaleden.

Dr Greg Andreas, Kootenay Boundary GP and LTC Medical Director presented on Using a 'What Matters to You' Approach to End-of-Life Care Planning. Dr Justin Lambert, Penticton General Internist with a specialty in Geriatrics presented on Deprescribing for Older Adults Living with Frailty. For Deprescribing algorithms and resources discussed, visit deprescribing.org. Amy Gorr and Becky Miller - IH Home Health Leaders presented Working with Home Health Upstream of Long-Term Care. New IH resources are posted to Pathways Deciding to Move into LTC booklet, and Guide to Home and Community Care.

The SOS Long-Term Care Initiative is a partnership between the Division of Family Practice, Interior Health Authority and the LTC Service Providers, with funding from the BC Family Practice Services Committee. Thanks for joining us this year!

Published by Penticton Herald - See Article

Approximately 900 patients per month are seeing doctors at a new walk-in clinic that opened earlier this year in Penticton.

Between Oct. 3 and Dec. 22, there were a total of 2,697 patient appointments handled by 26 different doctors at the Community Walk-In Clinic in the Apple Plaza, according to a press release from the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice.

That group joined with the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen and Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen to reopen a walk-in clinic in the space, formerly home to Apple Plaza Medical.

Organizers say 60% of patients who have visited the clinic do not have a family doctor. They’re among approximately 9,000 people in the region in a similar predicament.

"The Community Walk-In Clinic can help mitigate this problem by providing timely care for patients and help relieve our strained emergency departments,” said Dr. Tarinder Grewal in the release.

The clinic is generally open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but with special holiday hours through Jan. 1. For more information or to book an appointment, call 250-493-5228.

There are two other urgent-care options in Penticton: Peach City Medical and the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre.

Exciting news for expectant mothers in the South Okanagan region! The South Okanagan Maternity Centre providers are delighted to introduce biweekly half-day clinics in Oliver and Keremeos starting in January. The goal is to enhance access for patients in rural communities who choose the maternity clinic as their primary maternity care provider, all while ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Despite the expansion to rural satellite clinics, there are no changes for referring patients or contacting the clinic. All administration, including appointment bookings and cancellations, remains centralized through the South Okanagan Maternity Clinic at Penticton Regional Hospital. Patients and providers can continue to use this familiar point-of-contact for all their needs.

This expansion allows for gradual assessment and adaptation while prioritizing the needs of patients. The maternity clinic is committed to providing diverse choices and convenient care for expectant mothers in rural communities while maintaining the efficiency and ease of communication their patients are accustomed to.

The South Okanagan Maternity Centre is grateful for the Osoyoos Indian Band Health Centre and Dr Mark Baillie's support in allowing the use of their clinic space.

The Penticton Medical Staff Association (PMSA) and SOS Division of Family Practice hosted the 2023 Medical Staff Association Awards and Holiday Social on November 30th at Penticton's Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana.

Each year, providers who have been nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions to teaching and service in medicine are honoured.

Congratulations to Dr Danielle Weisgarber, the 2023 PMSA Award recipient for Outstanding Service in Medicine!

Danielle is a dedicated physician and a strong patient advocate who continuously seeks out learning opportunities and practice improvements, striving to advance her clinical care and provide the best possible patient outcome. She takes on leadership roles, commits her time to various committees, advocates for fellow physicians and helps implement real change that improves how we practice. Her tireless commitment to improving our medical community earns her the 2023 Award for Outstanding Service in Medicine.

Also nominated in the category of Outstanding Service in Medicine:

• Dr Tom Oliver, Family Medicine
• Dr Paul Sanders, Radiology
• Dr Dale Gatenby, Family Medicine
• Dr Barb Main, Family Medicine
• Dr Andy Hamilton, Anesthesia

Congratulations to Dr Andy Hamilton, the 2023 PMSA Award recipient for Outstanding Teaching in Medicine.

Andy is a dedicated educator who teaches at all levels of medical education, a physician who consistently encourages learners to seek opportunities for growth and expansion in their practice and advocates for leadership development and continued education. His commitment to teaching is evident in his recognition as an outstanding teacher, praised for his expertise in clinical skills and medical leadership.

Also nominated in the category of Outstanding Teaching in Medicine:

• Dr Jennifer Begin, Family Medicine
• Dr Tarinder Grewal, Family Medicine

Since opening its doors on October 3rd, the Community Walk-in Clinic (CWIC) has provided care to 1,100 patients. Feedback from Penticton Regional Hospital emergency department physicians has confirmed the important role the CWIC has played in supporting urgent and unattached care in the region.

A dedicated team of eighteen providers covered 91% of shifts in October, some taking one four-hour shift and one covering 21 shifts. The clinic schedule shows good coverage through March.

Noteworthy is the recent addition of a licensed practical nurse to the CWIC team, enhancing clinic capacity and operational efficiency.

Patient feedback has been superb, with the feedback box filled with praises such as "Lifesaving facility, enlightened doctors, and excellent staffing!" The clinic consistently reaches capacity by 9 am, showcasing the significant need for accessible healthcare services in our community.

The backbone of CWIC's success is the providers, who report high satisfaction and a positive and collaborative work environment. "Working at the Penticton Community Walk-In Clinic has been such a pleasure this last month," shares Dr Tiffany Bursey. "The staff are incredibly helpful, supportive, and efficient. Patients are grateful to see a physician same day and get their issues managed. We have an amazing group of doctors who care and want to see this clinic for our community."

Keremeos physicians started to deliver primary care services at the Upper Similkameen Indian Band Health Centre on October 10. Doctors Marina Louw, David Van de Vosse and Ifeju Omojuwa will take turns offering clinics at Upper Similkameen Indian Band Health Centre every Tuesday. Hedley community members will also be able to access the Tuesday clinics when there are available appointments.

In a traditional welcoming ceremony, Upper Similkameen leaders and members shared their gratitude for the services and gifted the physicians in attendance with traditional medicine bags.

The Upper Similkameen primary care services are part of the Primary Care Network service plan, as a strategy for delivering culturally appropriate Indigenous care. Division representatives were in attendance at the ceremony, having supported development of the service plan and convening conversations between the Upper Similkameen community and Keremeos physicians over the past four years.

Published by Penticton Western News, Brennan Phillips - See Article

A collaboration between community groups and local health-care providers is set to keep a walk-in clinic open longer in Penticton.

The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen and the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice are working together with the doctors and nurse practitioners to open the clinic at Apple Plaza, set to open Oct. 3.

The Apple Plaza Walk-In Clinic had previously announced its closure for Sept. 30, due to a shortage of physician staffing.

However, the new collaborative model offers a fresh approach to the clinic’s operation that is hoped to keep it open for at least six more months.

“In the old model, doctors own the clinic, hire and manage the staff, look after the building, all while trying to provide medical care to patients. My partners and I just couldn’t attract anyone to work in that type of clinic anymore, which is why we needed to close,” said Dr. Heidi Ingram. “But in this model, we are supported by community organizations. We aren’t doing it alone”

The clinic will continue to offer a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services, including general medical consultations, minor procedures, and referrals to specialists when necessary.

The model the clinic will work under is similar to that adopted for Foundry Penticton.

“The Community Foundation and Community Futures will hold the lease for the Community Walk-In Clinic, while the doctors and nurse practitioners, supported by the Division of Family Practice, will provide the service. This partnership is an excellent example of groups leveraging their strengths to make important things happen quickly,” said Aaron McRann, executive director of the Community Foundation

A Community Fund has been established to receive charitable donations for the development and operation of community-based primary care services. To donate you can contact McRann at 250-493-9311 or aaronmcrann@cfso.net.

Individuals in the South Okanagan Similkameen in need of medical attention can call 250-493-5228 to schedule an appointment or book online at https://pathwaysmedicalcare.ca/clinic/community-walk-in-clinic. Patients with existing family doctors or nurse practitioners are encouraged to contact their providers before visiting the Walk-In Clinic.

Those seeking a family doctor or nurse practitioner are invited to register on the Health Connect Registry at Health Connect Registry Link.

The clinic is located at Apple Plaza at 162 - 1848 Main St. and was to open Oct. 3. Once open, the clinic will have hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., barring some exceptions due to lack of staffing.

Members gathered at Linden Gardens on 21st September for the SOS Division Annual General Meeting.
Following a lovely meal, the fiscal year ending 31st March 2023 was reviewed with Board Vice-Chair Dr Jennifer Begin highlighting the years' activities and auditor Chris Newton of Omland Heal LLP summarized the Division’s financial position.

The membership expressed their appreciation to the retiring board member of six years Dr Alan Gow. Dr Tom Oliver and Rudy Enzmann were elected to the Board. Dr Jennifer Begin and NP Viola Brown were re-elected. They join returning directors Dr Kevin Hill, Dr Kyle Stevens, David Kozier, Eliza Terbasket, and Dr Driaan Van Der Vyver. 

The SOS Division congratulated those practitioners retiring from longitudinal practice, Drs Elizabeth Watters, John Surkan, Cathy Harrold and Marjorie Krabbe.

SOS Division would like to extend the best to Dr Marius Snyman upon his retirement from obstetrics at the South Okanagan Maternity Centre (SOMC).
 


SOMC at Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) opened as a one-year pilot project on April 1st, 2018. Dr Snyman was essential in developing this collaborative interdisciplinary clinic embedded in the South Okanagan Similkameen Maternity Care Community Model. The Primary Maternity Care Advisory Committee, comprised of family physicians, midwives, obstetricians, paediatricians, patients, Interior Health and allied health, developed the model in response to declining family physician numbers and difficulties recruiting and retaining new colleagues. Loss of family physicians from obstetrics and the potential closure of the Primary Care Maternity Clinic (PCMC) was looking increasingly likely which would have had a severe impact on patients, other maternity provider groups and PRH.


The SOMC opened in April 2018 with four family physicians (including Dr Snyman) and one registered midwife (Susie Lobb). The providers in the clinic intended to improve the overall sustainability of the clinic by pooling MSP billings, standardizing their practices to optimize patient and provider satisfaction, increasing professional scope, and improving teaching and learning opportunities.

"Marius was a wonderful part of the SOMC team from its conception until his retirement. He will be greatly missed." - Dr Jennifer Begin

Today as Marius exits the service he helped create, the SOMC's wrap-around care of patients stands strong with eight family physicians, three midwives, and a network of specialists for seamless referrals. The addition of more midwives to respond to community needs, added clinic shifts, increased home visits, and the addition of the Nesting Pregnancy series during COVID contribute to making the pregnancy journey as impactful and memorable for patients as possible.

"Marius, SOMC families greatly appreciated your respectful, calm and confident demeanour. You will be missed by both patients and the lucky few who called you a colleague. All the best in your new adventures!" - Isabelle Beaudoin, Registered Midwife

When a wildfire south of Osoyoos crossed the Canadian border on 29th July 2023, the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) initiated an Incident Command.
 
Division staff sit at the Health Services Incident Command table with Health Emergency Management (HEM) and Interior Health (IH) directors to facilitate communication between primary care providers and the broader health service community in times of crisis. Incident Command meetings are convened daily, seven days a week, at the outset of crises.
 
With the Town of Osoyoos on evacuation alert, Mariposa Gardens long-term care and assisted living facility was evacuated immediately, per IH policy. Of the 112 residents evacuated, 86 who are in LTC were accommodated at Lakeview Lodge in West Kelowna. Assisted-living residents were relocated to Vernon. MRPs were made aware of the patient transfers by fax and followed their patients for the eight days of displacement. Local and provincial leadership facilitated further organizing of residents according to facility capacity the following morning.

"We watched the fire race across the border from my rooftop. The golf course and the orchards and our amazing local fire department saved the town and Mariposa." - Dr Calder

Following the successful interventions of the BC wildfire service, the EOC gave the green light for the repatriation of Mariposa residents beginning August 4th.
 
Due to the increased frequency of these emergency occurrences, IH has a well-coordinated plan between sites. Lakeview Lodge had been through a similar scenario two years prior, and Mariposa also had a robust action plan and resources organized from their 2021 setup.
 
Many thanks to the Osoyoos and Oliver physicians who continued supporting their patients and their families through this challenging time. A special thanks to Dr Rob Calder for his steady leadership, facilitating communication between local MRPs and the receiving physicians in West Kelowna.

The 6th Annual Long-Term Care Summit was held June 27th at Linden Gardens. Forty-three health care providers attended (60% primary care providers; 3 NPs, 23 FPs).

The 2023 Long-Term Care Initiative results we celebrated at the Summit: 

• 85% of longitudinal primary care providers in the SOS region cover long-term care and participate in the initiative (while many other areas struggle to cover LTC). 
• 100% of LTC patients have a family practice provider for the fifth year consecutively through a care home-specific rota system. 
• Penticton providers have focused their practice on particular care homes (clustering by joining a rota); this means less than half as many primary care providers in each care home compared to five years ago, making team-building and strengthening relationships with staff easier.
• Warm handovers from MRP to MRP (reported by receiving providers) are happening 88% of the time across the region, up from 40% two years ago. 
• 95-100% care conference attendance by MRPs at many care homes working with the clinics on scheduling improvement. 
• Dedicated pharmacists are now working with MRPs on med reviews at all 13 homes; 3 care homes had been without for some time due to staffing during the pandemic. 

Also presenting that evening via Zoom were Drs Sharleen Gill (Geriatric Psychiatrist, Fraser Health) and Carlin Man (GP Fraser North West Division) on 'Practical Tools for Diagnosing Dementia'.

A newly developed Dementia Care Pathway for clinicians provides workflow suggestions and links to assessment tools, enabling doctors to email resources directly to patients via a no-reply email address. For those who were unable to attend the LTC Summit, a previous webinar recording is available for 'Practical tools to diagnose dementia' HERE. View the Dementia Care Pathway HERE.

"We wish we lived in the SOS!" This was the frequent feedback the SOS Division heard following their successful presentations at Health Quality BC's 12th annual Quality Forum conference, held June 6 – 8, in Vancouver, BC.

This year’s Quality Forum included a variety of sessions on topics related to improving quality across the continuum of care. The SOS Division presented to a curious audience the following topics. 

TEAM-BASED CARE - Presentation Slide Deck  •  Fact Sheet
MATERNITY - Presentation Slide Deck  •  Fact Sheet
CLINIC MANAGEMENT - Presentation Slide Deck