It was a full house at the Nanaimo Museum on April 12th as long-term care, assisted living and home support providers gathered for the inaugural meeting of the Vancouver Island Seniors Administrators Network (VISAN).
BC Care Providers Association launched the Network—modeled on the successful Fraser Area Administrators Network (FAN)—as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas, to address common issues, and generate solutions to improve the effectiveness of continuing care service delivery on Vancouver Island. The Network’s launch is part of BCCPA’s 2017-2020 Strategic Plan.
VISAN offers members an opportunity to:
- Identify issues of common concern affecting program and care delivery;
- Develop common responses or positions;
- Effectively communicate with members for mutual support and systems management;
- Liaise with various health organizations and appoint representatives to committees;
- Develop a standard information base to use for inter-agency comparison and decision-making; and
- Ensure that continuing care providers are an integral component of health planning.
The meeting started with a networking lunch followed by a presentation by BCCPA CEO Daniel Fontaine. Attendees discussed issues of importance to them, and proposed ideas on how the Network should operate.
“BCCPA members and non-members who attended the meeting were engaged and enthusiastic about pursuing the Network,” says Justine Hall, BCCPA Manager of Partnership Development. “They see value in having a platform for a unified voice, as well as a group through which they can share ideas and benefit from the knowledge and experience of their counterparts.”
Two individuals at the meeting volunteered to co-chair the Network. BCCPA will facilitate the Network for up to 18 months, and assist the co-chairs with meeting preparation and follow-ups.
BCCPA has set up a workspace on our Member 365 Network, and those who attended the inaugural meeting in person or reached out to Justine Hall will be added to the workspace in the coming weeks. The workspace will house news, discussion forums and meeting information relevant to Island providers.
To join the mailing list and Member 365 workspace, please email justine@bccare.ca.
