Recognizing that the success of our new hospital is closely linked to the overall health of people in Cowichan communities, Island Health spearheaded a comprehensive Cowichan Health & Care Plan to integrate our services in ways that help people thrive, maintain their health, and avoid unplanned hospital stays by identifying and developing more appropriate ways to deliver the best out-of-hospital care possible in the Cowichan region.
The Plan identifies evidence-based options to reduce hospital utilization and promote health and wellness for people in the region by involving local partners in health service planning and implementation.
The Cowichan Valley Health & Care Plan is a whole community approach to planning and delivering health and health-care for priority populations in Cowichan Valley communities. Furthermore, it establishes a roadmap for strengthening and integrating health services to address gaps and remove barriers to achieving better health, with an aim to prevent 7,300 inpatient days by 2025 and 12,000 days by 2035.
During fiscal year 2021/22, these enhanced services saved more than 4,700 bed days, which means people who require a hospital stay will have better access to the care they need, and can recover with appropriate supports, in the most appropriate care setting.
Here are some examples of work currently underway to support better health and wellness across the Cowichan region:
2022
Cowichan STEPS program winner of prestigious national award
2021
New COPD service launches in Cowichan
An assessment, education and support service for people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms has been created within Cowichan’s Community Health Services (CHS) division. The COPD team consists of a registered respiratory therapist, pharmacist and behavioral health clinician, with access to the larger CHS team.
2020
Expansion of Duncan wound care clinic benefits community and nursing staff
The addition of a third treatment room for wound care at Duncan Community Health Services provides a service boost for clients who can visit the clinic, while allowing home care nurses more capacity to treat clients unable to travel for care.
Watch our video below to find out how we’re increasing our ability to care for more clients in our community.
2019
December 18: Island Health Community Wellness Grant helps Cowichan parents learn valuable cooking skills
Yum! Parents from two local daycares expand their kitchen skills with nutritious , delicious cooking classes made possible by Nourish Cowichan and a $12,000 Community Wellness Grant from Island Health.
Want to see what’s cooking in Cowichan? Check out this short video to learn more:
September 19: Indigenous Care Pharmacist helps community members achieve greater control over their own health
Island Health pharmacist, Jesse Inkster is passionate about helping people understand their medications. Watch this video to learn more about the Indigenous Care Pharmacist collaboration:
July 26: Cowichan Tribes and Island Health commission Blessing Tree at Cowichan District Hospital
This beautiful symbol of friendship, understanding and relationship building provides a place for visitors to share well wishes for loved ones and notes of thanks with caregivers who support healing and wellness at CDH.
July 25: Duncan Dialysis Patients Pedal Toward Wellness
Renal dialysis can be draining, both physically and emotionally. Our renal team added wheels so clients can pedal their way to better health and wellness.
July 23: Thank you for help in emergency
Linda Zabok shares thanks for the care she received when experiencing a sudden health event.
July 18: Construction starts on Cowichan Hospice House in Duncan
Celebrating an important milestone with the community and service partners who’ve worked tirelessly to fund a new hospice house for the Cowichan Valley.
July 15: Cowichan Hospital staff add the personal touch
Big city retiree sends kudos for day surgery care at CDH, proving you don’t have to be a long-time resident to be treated like family at CDH.
June 19: New long-term care home for Cowichan Valley residents
Seniors in the Cowichan Valley will soon have improved access to long-term care with the addition of 80 new publicly funded beds in the community.
June 6: Cowichan Community Paramedic valued member of local care team
Meet Mike Wright, BC Ambulance Service community paramedic and former chief power engineer. As a Community Paramedic, Mike has his finger on the pulse of his community.
Find out how he’s able to check in with people in their homes and connect them with specialized services and care when they need it.
April: A Different Perspective for Hospitals
Dr. Shannon Waters discusses the benefits of planning for a health promoting hospital in the Cowichan Valley.
Jan 7: Exceptional medical care at Cowichan hospital
A lovely letter to the Editor from a parent to the team at the Cowichan Valley Hospital emergency department; a reminder of how showing compassion and kindness can make all the difference.
2017