The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) says it is sending 6,000 households in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area a mail-in survey that will be asking residents about their experiences with the health care system.
The mail-in survey is being randomly distributed by Canada Post to households from Nanoose to Bowser, including Lasqueti Island. VIHA says the purpose of the survey is to measure residents' current experiences with the health-care system and compare these with how residents' health care experiences change after the Oceanside Health Centre (OHC) has been open for a while.
The OHC is currently in a phased opening. Community-based programs were moved to the OCH in June, urgent care opened this week and primary care services open Sept. 30.
The Oceanside Health Centre research evaluation study is being carried out in conjunction with researchers at the University of Victoria, Dalhousie University and McMaster University. The mail-in survey is anonymous and participants will create an identifier that is known only to them in order to participate in the follow-up survey next year. Residents who did not receive the random survey will have the opportunity to participate in the research evaluation study through focus groups and case studies that will be taking place later this fall.
— NEWS Staff/VIHA