Two physicians
have joined the Sun
Peaks Family Practice,
which is scheduled
to open on Dec.
11.
Doctors Shane Barclay
and Laura Bantock
are establishing
the primary-care practice in the new Sun Peaks Health Centre.
Weekday service will be available for Sun Peaks residents, as well as advanced-access care
for seasonal visitors to the community.
Advanced access appointments are same-day appointments for people who need to be
seen by a physician because they are suddenly unwell. Advanced access is a new term and
replaces the former term, fit-in appointments.
Patients in the surrounding area who do not have a family doctor can call 778-644-0635
after Dec. 4 to request acceptance into the doctors’ care.
Sun Peaks’ Mayor Al Raine expressed his gratitude following the long process to fund,
build and staff the new centre.
“We are so thankful for the numerous volunteers and their tireless efforts that helped us
bring the facility to this stage,” he said.
“We are about to realize our vision of having primary care on the mountain for residents,
visitors and the broader community.”
The $2-million centre was built late last year, paid for by the community ($588,000), Sun
Peaks Resort ($838,000), the community’s health association ($500,000) and $117,000 in
federal gas-tax funding from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
The provincial government contributed $100,000 to buy medical equipment, supplies
and furniture.
Previously, health care was provided in a medical trailer that operated daily for two hours
in winter and for two days a week in summer.
At the time, Raine said there were about 1,000 residents who did not have a doctor.