Indigenous Peoples in the Greater Victoria area now have access to a primary care clinic that will offer culturally safe health care.
This clinic, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) Health Centre moved into its new, bigger space on March 25th and is now located at 209-2951 Tillicum Road, just on the Saanich side of the Tillicum Bridge.
Prior to this move, the clinic operated out of the VNFC itself at 231 Regina Street.
The VNFC Health Centre came about as a collaboration between the VNFC, the Victoria Primary Care Network (PCN), and the Ministry of Health.
“This new centre is already benefiting people in Victoria who self-identify as Indigenous as they have a safe space to get the health-care services they need,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
“I am proud of our work with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and the Victoria Primary Care Network as we move along towards reconciliation.”
He continued by saying he is actively trying to bring more equitable health care options to the province.
According to the Province, the clinic will be able to offer health care to people who identify as Indigenous, live in the area and do not have a family doctor.
“We are excited to offer this new safe space for urban Indigenous health care, which is desperately needed by our community as we begin to understand the prevalence of discrimination and racism in the health-care system,” said Ron Rice, Wush’q, Executive Director of VNFC.
“This important step – Indigenous ownership of health services – is the culmination of many years of effort, partnership, and perseverance in Indigenous health care.”
The goal of this new centre will be to give around 4,500 Indigenous patients health-care providers. Currently, approximately 1,800 Indigenous patients are receiving care from the endeavour.
Despite their larger capacity, the clinic says they currently have an existing patient caseload from their previous location and a “very lengthy waitlist.”
The clinic will be able to employ around 20 full time employees, which will include two physicians, five nurse practitioners, eight Indigenous wellness providers, two nurses and five medical office assistants.
The VNFC Health Centre will receive $2 million in annual funding with an additional one-time $2.9 million for improvements and the lease.
