Working in Bella Coola
Physicians in Bella Coola provide regular clinic, emergency and inpatient care to a population of approximately 2200 through the Bella Coola Medical Clinic and the Bella Coola General Hospital.
The Medical Clinic is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm, with the Emergency Department at the Hospital open 24/7. Call rotations are divided among the physicians on site, with two consecutive days off.
Our team provides a supportive environment, with daily morning rounds, shared learning experiences, and regular staff physicians available to help in an emergency. We strive to provide culturally competent and trauma-sensitive care.
A full-time contract (FTE 1.0) is 46 weeks service.
Locum coverage is provided by the Rural General Practice Locum Program (RGPLP) and also under the VCH Clinical Service Contract.
Staff physicians are paid through APP.
The on-site medical staff consists of three or four physicians providing emergency and inpatient care as well as providing longitudinal primary care in the clinic.
Our Hospital
The Bella Coola General Hospital services the Bella Coola Valley and Anahim Lake.
The hospital currently has six long term care beds, eight acute care beds, a two bed emergency department and a well equipped trauma bay with point of care ultrasound.
We offer on-site Laboratory and X-ray services , physiotherapy, mental health services including Intensive Case Management, and Aboriginal Navigator assistance.
We have an onsite Pharmacy open Monday to Friday.
The on-site medical staff consists of three or four physicians providing emergency and inpatient care as well as providing longitudinal primary care in the clinic.
To augment our medical services, we make use of Physician to Physician Real Time Virtual Supports (RTVS) made available through the Rural Coordination Centre of BC. This includes dedicated support for Emergency Medicine (RUDI). Pediatrics (CHARLIE)Maternity Care (MaBAL), Rural Virtual Dermatology services and more.
Our Clinic
The Bella Coola Medical Clinic is a beautiful, light filled post-and-beam modern building adjoining the hospital. There are five large exam rooms, three physician offices, and a procedures room equipped with ultrasound and a slit lamp. The clinic also houses the physiotherapy department, public health and social work offices, and the pharmacy.
Our practice offers 15-30 minute appointments using the Collaborative Health Record EMR. In addition, we host several visiting specialist clinics and provide virtual care appointments.
Teaching and Training
Bella Coola is a wonderful place for learners. Residents, medical and nurse practitioner students are introduced to the full gamut of rural/remote medicine! From primary care to emergency and acute medicine, palliation, medevacs and home visits – our learners do it all! Being a small site, we typically have only 1-2 learners at any given time. This means our learners are first in line to practice hands-on skills and hone their clinical acumen.
Our physicians love to teach and also to learn from the new generation. In addition to learning in a supportive and collegial environment, learners have the opportunity to engage with the local community through cultural events and local functions.
If you are interested in a training opportunity in Bella Coola, please contact Cindy Aronson: Coordinator, Physician Services, Vancouver Coastal Health.
Nuxalk Health & Wellness
Nuxalk Health and Wellness provides community-based programs including:
- Home care and home support
- Public health
- Maternal-child health
- Dental clinic
- Visiting optometry
- Other visiting professionals and therapists
Nuxalk Health & Wellness
Current Vacancies
There are several websites advertising available physician locum opportunities, but you won’t find a complete list of available dates online. All roads lead to Cindy Aronson: Coordinator, Physician Services, Vancouver Coastal Health. Contact Cindy to get up-to-date information on Bella Coola physician locum and permanent jobs.