Gap in medical services ‘likely unavoidable’ as municipality reviews sole proposal to operate Sun Peaks Community Health Centre

A new operator of the Sun Peaks Community Health Centre may be on the horizon following the review of a single proposal, just as Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society (STEPS) ceases care on the mountain.  

While the details of the proposal remain confidential, a small evaluation team, composed of municipal staff and an individual with medical experience will assess it against key criteria to determine whether the proponent is suitable to operate the clinic.

“We’ll likely have additional questions for the proponent to ensure we have all the information needed before presenting a recommendation to council,” Deanna Campbell, chief administrative officer for the municipality said.

Health care services on pause

With STEPS’ departure approaching Oct. 10, Campbell acknowledged that there will be a gap in care before a new operator is in place. 

“Council has always recognized that there will be a gap in services,” she said. “We’re working very hard to minimize it, but given the tight timelines, it’s likely unavoidable.”

While the municipality doesn’t provide health care directly, Campbell emphasized that the health centre is a vital community asset and council remains committed to maintaining accessible health care in Sun Peaks.

“We understand that this transition is concerning for many community members,” Campbell said. “The municipality is committed to working with a future operator to ensure medical services continue to meet the needs of our community.”

Sun Peaks Health Association review 

Council is reconsidering the structure of the Sun Peaks Health Association, exploring the possibility of returning to an independent, community-led model, similar to how the association functioned in the past.

“The conversation has been shifting as the council learns more about the potential role the [association] could play,” Campbell said. “We’re looking at how it might help with the transition from STEPS to a new operator and in the future governance of the health centre.”

To support that transition, SPHA recently appointed a community member, Alice Muirhead, as a non-voting member to assist with planning and potential restructuring.