For our Island community, access to a family doctor isn’t a convenience — it’s a lifeline. That lifeline is now at risk for over 1000 islanders.
Dr. Hughes, a cornerstone of the Quadra Island Health Society clinic, is set to retire this September, leaving the community facing the very real prospect of losing this important medical practice and all the associated health programs this clinic offers. In response, two of the island’s most dedicated community organizations have joined forces to ensure that doesn’t happen.
The Quadra Island Health Society has reached out to the Quadra Island Foundation (QIF) to extend its charitable umbrella over a critical fundraising effort. The QIF has agreed to administer, oversee, and manage what is being called the Health Access Fund — a targeted campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to secure a replacement physician for the clinic.
“Every Islander benefits from the services offered by the volunteer run Quadra “Island Health Society whether they be direct patients or not . The variety of medical services and programs offered by the QIHS are fundamental to our community and we are proud to support the Health Society in making sure Quadra Islanders don’t have to travel off-island for basic medical care.” said Marc Doll, the Chair of the Quadra Island Foundation.
The funds raised will be used to engage Canada Medical Careers, a professional medical recruiting agency specializing in physician placement. The agency will lead the search and facilitate the hiring process to find a doctor willing to make Quadra Island their home and practice.
The $50,000 target reflects the real-world costs of professional medical recruitment — a process that, done right, takes specialized expertise, national reach, and considerable effort. Without a coordinated and well-resourced search, communities like Quadra Island often find themselves at the back of a long line, competing with urban centres and larger municipalities for a limited pool of available physicians.
The Quadra Island Foundation is now accepting donations to the Health Access Fund. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for all individual donations of $50 or more. Donations can be made by contacting the Foundation directly at giving@QuadraIslandFoundation.
Community members, local businesses, and anyone who has ever relied on — or simply valued having a doctor on the island or any of the multitude of other programs and services offered by ‘Quadra Island Medical Clinic’ are encouraged to contribute.
The clock is ticking. Dr. Hughes’ retirement in September means the search must begin now. The Quadra Island Foundation is asking the community to act with the same spirit of neighbourliness that has always defined island life.
To donate please e-transfer to giving@QuadraIslandFoundatuon.
For more information please contact the Quadra Island Foundation at Chair@QuadraIslandfoundation.