COLLINS: Finally – a positive step in health care

Mar 3, 2023 | 5:30 AM

THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT TRU IS EMBARKING on a training program for nurse practitioners is a great piece of news. But the move is only a first step.

The success of the measure will depend on two important things. Will we be able to move the program to the point where we train enough practitioners to make a dent in a critical shortfall? And whether we can integrate them into a system that makes sense for the future.

I have said for some time now that nurse practitioners can fill a big void. First, in rural areas, where they can be a great help in filling holes left by a lack of physicians. That is not an easy task, because you have the same problem getting practitioners to stay in a rural area as you do doctors. But it could be a start.

Having a strategy in place to work on different incentives to help serve rural communities, many of which are a long way from any hospital care is vital. Those who work in those areas love what they do, but the burnout rate is high and incentives must include opportunities to recharge rather than relocate.

A team approach to healthcare makes the most sense going forward. But that will involve shifting the paradigm. We’ve made some improvements to the way we pay doctors, but we need more.

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Powering British Columbia

21h ago

The Creative Edge

PEARCE: Teaching for life, not just tests

May 26, 2026

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: What does healing look like?

May 25, 2026

If, for example, we had a family doctor in charge of a clinic and had a couple of practitioners at another level, maybe an RN or an LPN or two as well, depending on how big you want the clinic. Add to that a couple of office staff to manage things, and there you have it.

Lots would have to be worked out but why do we not see this and make a strategy to carry this out? Instead of having a patient list of a couple of thousand, a clinic like this could see a lot more. Two or three clinics like that could really do some serious damage to waiting lists.

Why can’t we start to talk about what could work, instead of simply throwing more money at a broken system? Maybe it’s just too much to contemplate.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

—

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Doug Collins

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

COLLINS: Finally – a positive step in health care

Our Community