CAOT-BC invited to present to the Select Standing Committee on Health

View the full presentation here

CAOT-BC responded to an invitation by the Select Standing Committee on Health to provide input on a number of important health care issues, including improving health and health care services in rural British Columbia. CAOT-BC is honoured to have been selected to make an in-person presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Health (a non-partisan committee made up of 14 MLAs) in Vancouver on July 7, 2016.

Managing Director Giovanna Boniface and Dr. Sue Forwell delivered a presentation that focused on improving health and health care services in rural BC, addressing solutions that occupational therapists can provide focusing on ensuring an adequate workforce, augmenting timely provision of services and reducing mal-distribution of health care professionals. The presentation used key data from a recent private sector workforce study, COTBC registrant information, updates from health regions and information from the Office of the Seniors Advocate to position solutions. The presentation was followed by a question and answer period with the committee, a few excerpts:

Selena Robinson, MLA, in reference to the OT workforce in Fraser Health: “I want to say how shocked I am at the Fraser Health number”, “I will strongly advocate”.

Judy Darcy, MLA and Deputy Chair: “You’ve given one very powerful example about seniors and falls and what occupational therapists can do by way of prevention and hospitalization”.

View the full presentation