HEALTH SERVICES
A Variety of Health & Social Services Available to Members, and in Some Cases, Guests
The wellness of individuals, families and the community is the number one priority of the Nation. Whether it’s maintaining health, acquiring comfortable housing, or tapping into a myriad of social services, the well-being of each Gitga’at member, including leaders, is key to maintaining self-sufficiency.
A number of programs are offered to address specific needs.
Hartley Bay Nursing Station
Open Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 250-841-2556
Community members can access a wide range of health services at the Nursing Station at 718 Wahmoodmx Boulevard in Hartley Bay. The Clinic works with members to develop and implement relevant, culturally-centered interventions and programs, to offer services the community wants and needs.
The Nursing Station is staffed with two Remote Certified Nurses who have expanded the scope of care to provide public health services like vaccinations and pre/postnatal care, Chronic disease management, health promotion, and response to acute health care needs.
Primary Care Services that are offered at the Nursing Station are offered by the Mobile Primary Care Team (MPCT), which includes a Family Physician and Nurse Practitioner that visit the community regularly. The primary care team provides medical assessments, diagnosis, treatment plans, disease screening, and medication management.
Home and Community Care services are also offered by the Gitga’at Health Department. We have a home support worker in the community and a Home Care Nurse that visits regularly.
Dental Services
Dentist Kris Falk at Cedar Coast Dental provides full dental and ental hygiene services in community, and travels here 4x/year. The FNHA has a dental benefit that can cover certain dental services, helping you catch problems early and maintain better oral health. Health benefits, in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC), offers a well-rounded dental plan for First Nations in BC. Learn more about what’s covered on the FNHA Dental Benefit page.
Mental Health Services
Physical, mental, and emotional health are key to well-being both at the individual and community level. For Gitga’at members, a mental wellness plan has been put into place emphasizing stress management and other aspects of mental health. Community health professionals work with members to address mental health issues using a sensitive, culturally relevant approach.
Gitga’at Health Services is working to create a mental health plan that aligns with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) 5-year plan. The aim of this plan is to implement better support to help guide the community’s journey toward improved mental wellness and self-determination.
Fitness Centre
Your physical and mental health can be improved with regular visits to the fitness centre. Please be sure to follow all the facilities’ protocols, including respecting the equipment, cleaning and sanitation, proper attire, age restrictions, and other rules.
Visiting Professionals
There are several other health professionals that come to Hartley Bay to provide services, such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacist, and Pediatricians. Any visiting medical professionals who work in the community in Hartley Bay will coordinate with the Health Services Administrator for support and resources. Providing medical care in remote communities comes with its own set of challenges, but both the permanent and visiting medical staff use creativity and resourcefulness to provide the best care possible.
Any visiting medical professionals who work in the community in Hartley Bay will coordinate with the Health Services Administrator for support and resources. Providing medical care in remote communities comes with its own set of challenges, but both the permanent and visiting medical staff use creativity and resourcefulness to provide the best care possible.
Other FNHA Benefits
The First Nation Health Authority (FNHA) has benefits that eligible members may use to obtain the services they need.
Health Services, BC Pharmacare, and Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) have partnered together to offer the FNHA Pharmacy Benefit to First Nations in BC. It covers prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, non-drug over-the-counter items, and the Shingrix vaccine.
The First Nations Health Benefits (Plan W) helps cover the entire cost of certain prescription costs, medical supplies, over-the-counter drugs, some natural health products and pharmacy services.
If you pay out-of-pocket for any services that should be covered by the FNHA, you can request a reimbursement.
All Patient Travel requests, for community members, should be submitted to the Prince Rupert Aboriginal Community Service Society (PRACSS) at least 5 business days in advance, either by email: admin@pracss.ca or fax: 250-624-2893.
All arrangements will be made through their office. Paperwork will be sent to the HBNS reception to be printed and handed off to the client. If you have any questions about travel arrangements, please contact PRACSS at 250-624-4646.
HeadStart Daycare
For members who work during the day, trustworthy childcare is crucial. The HeadStart Daycare program was designed to address the needs of both children and their parents. Providing support for early childhood growth and development and incorporating Gitga’at culture and values. Childcare workers are thoroughly screened to ensure that they can provide safe, reliable care, so parents can drop off their children with confidence and gain peace of mind.