Island Health expands outreach service in Sooke with addition of nurse practitioner

Island Health’s primary care outreach service in Sooke has recently expanded its team with the addition of Fiona Hutchison, a nurse practitioner. The Western Communities Primary Care Network has provided funding for this service since its establishment and continues to support its expansion, which aims to further improve access to healthcare for under-resourced community members in the area.

The outreach service, which began in October 2023, operates every Thursday morning from a tent adjacent to the Sooke Food Bank. The services provided to patients include blood pressure checks, treatment for minor injuries and infections, and referrals to other health resources. With Hutchison joining the team, the services have expanded to include diagnoses and treatment of minor and major illnesses as well as preventative care and screening. The clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and all services are free of charge.

Fiona Hutchison, nurse practitioner, stands outside the expanded Island Health primary care outreach tent in Sooke.

Hutchison expressed her enthusiasm for the outreach program. “I feel privileged to provide primary care outreach services to those who need them most,” said Hutchison. “Food and housing insecurity have a major impact on health, and working at the outreach service will allow me to help those with significant health challenges.”

Rebecca Littlejohn, a registered nurse who has been working at the outreach service since its inception, emphasizes the importance of the service. “Most of the patients I see don’t have a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner,” says Littlejohn. “They also struggle to get an appointment in the urgent and primary care centres due to barriers around transportation and phone access. I’m trying to meet people where they are and remove as many barriers to care as possible.”

Rebecca Littlejohn, registered nurse, prepares to provide care at Island Health’s outreach service in Sooke.

The outreach service has been a valuable resource for the community. “I am so grateful to have this service available. When times have been tough, I was offered so much support here,” said Gay, a client of the outreach service. “I felt genuinely cared for. Rebecca continuously checked in on me and went above and beyond anything I expected.”

Jody, another client of the outreach clinic, highlights the importance of the service in reaching those who might otherwise not seek medical care. “I personally know people that wouldn’t have seen a health-care provider if you weren’t here to help them – me included,” said Jody. “You make everyone feel welcome. People’s health concerns are taken seriously.”

Long-time Sooke Food Bank volunteer Steven Leckie echoes their sentiments. “Many food bank clients can’t access regular medical care due to financial constraints, transportation issues or stigma,” says Leckie. “Having this clinic on-site makes a huge difference by providing healthcare directly to people in need.”

Rebecca Littlejohn with long-time Sooke Food Bank volunteer Steven Leckie at the outreach clinic. 

The service currently provides service to up to ten community members each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., aiming to prevent minor conditions from becoming serious emergencies that require hospital visits.

As the outreach service continues to grow and expand, it remains committed to its mission of providing accessible, compassionate and judgment-free healthcare to the Sooke community. “If we can treat infections early, connect people with resources to manage chronic conditions and meet patients without judgment, then we are providing a very necessary service,” said Littlejohn. “My goal is that everyone feels they deserve access to healthcare.”

About Primary Care Networks:

Primary Care Networks (PCN) are community-based networks of health-care professionals and clinics who work with the community to develop local health-care solutions to meet the unique needs of their community. 

PCNs link family practices and other primary care clinics together with health authorities and other health organizations in a geographic area. Within these networks, family doctors and nurse practitioners work collaboratively with health-care providers, including registered nurses, pharmacists, social workers, midwives, mental health professionals, Indigenous and community providers and others.