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History |
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Historically, Bell Islanders have taken an
active role in ensuring acute, primary care and long term health
services on the island. In March 2002, the Hay Group Report, which was
commissioned by the Health Care Corporation of St. John's, made a number
of recommendations which directly affected the Dr. Walter Templeman
Health Centre. The primary recommendation was to convert the Health
Centre to an urgent care centre with reduced hours. In response to the
Hay Report, a group of concerned citizens met with the Minister of
Health and Community Services, Mr. Gerald Smith. Following this meeting,
citizens decided to form an action group that was representative of the
community.
Spring 2003, the Bell Island Health and Wellness Committee (BIHWC), whose members represented the Bell Island Community, Eastern Health, and the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, contracted Dr. Verlé Harrop at the National Research Council Institute for Technology (NRC IIT), Saint John, New Brunswick, to carry out Phase I of a two phase needs assessment. However, at the end of NRC’s five year funding envelope March 2005, and subsequent closure of the Saint John office, NRC terminated its involvement in the project. Later, NRC released the Bell Island data back to Dr. Harrop who then elected to returned to St. John’s Fall 2005 and complete the project. The Bell Island Health and Well-Being Needs Assessment Phase I 2006 report was released October 2006. November 2006, the Bell Island Health and Wellness Committee broadened its membership and was renamed the Bell Island Health and Wellness Advisory Council (AC). The 11 member council also appointed a Scientific Director who reports directly to the Advisory Council. Having articulated their Vision, Mission, Values and Terms of Reference at a recent retreat, the Advisory Council has now turned its attention to Phase II of the Needs Assessment. |
| * Adapted from the Bell Island Health and Well-Being Needs Assessment Phase I 2006 report |