Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022
Good morning Westshore! Our main story today is about a doctor considering charging patients an extra administrative fee for non-medical services. It's a plan that sounded—to at least two of her patients—an awful lot like the start of a two-tiered health system.
It’s a disturbing trend that seems to be happening more as doctors are facing increased costs and difficulty recruiting. I’d like to hear from you if you’ve experienced anything similar, or have ideas on what can be done about it. Hit reply and let me know.
Reporter, The Westshore
‘It’s like a renoviction from a doctor’: Patients react to doctor charging a monthly retainer
Dr. Perpetua Nwosu has told patients she's starting a “retainership service” of $125 per month. (📸 Jimmy Thomson / Capital Daily)
A View Royal woman was confused by a letter from her doctor last week, introducing a new “operational and service fee” of $125 a month.
“My first thought was, ‘Could this be a scam?’” she said. “What the heck is this? Then I immediately thought, ‘This is a two-tiered system.’”
She asked that we not use her real name out of concern for her ability to find a doctor in the future (“I certainly don't want my name out there as somebody who's a shit-disturber for doctors,” she said), so we’re calling her Alyssa.
Her doctor, Dr. Perpetua Nwosu of Perpetual Health Clinic in Victoria, wrote in the letter that the clinic has faced increasing challenges meeting the needs of patients over the last year, and this “retainership service” is needed to keep the clinic from closing.
We reached out to the Ministry of Health, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, and Health Insurance BC to find out whether this was even allowed, and if so whether it was OK.
Collaborative university announced for Langford
Premier John Horgan announcing a new Royal Roads campus in Langford, that will also host Camosun College, University of Victoria, and the Justice Institute of BC. (📸 Zoë Ducklow)
The university campus will be the first of its kind in BC, and the largest investment in Langford’s history: $128 million. The campus on Goldstream Avenue and Peatt Avenue will be home to Royal Roads, Camosun College, the University of Victoria, and the Justice Institute of BC.
Premier John Horgan was in Langford to make the announcement of the new campus—the BC government has committed $77.8 million—which has been almost a decade in the making. Royal Roads bought the land for $18.5 million, and will contribute $500,000 towards the construction. Langford has promised $27.5 million for infrastructure improvements, parking, and an innovation studio, and Mayor Stew Young announced a $375,000 scholarship fund.
The land has space for four buildings, but Wednesday’s announcement was for the first: a five-storey mass timber building that can hold 1,200 students.
The collaboration that many speakers referred to—like Royal Roads president Philip Steenkamp, Horgan, and MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin Mitzi Dean—means students will be able to take courses from each of the schools and be able to transfer credits. Royal Roads is also working towards launching undergraduate studies.
Steenkamp said the schools will intentionally target students who have previously been underrepresented in post-secondary education. The campus will host adult education and continuing studies.
Sc’ianew First Nation Chief Russ Chipps pointed out that the Sooke School District has the highest rate of Indigenous students who graduate high school, which he attributed to the district’s inclusivity. “I can’t think of a better place to have our children looked after than here in the heart of Langford. That’s where you keep your greatest investment—your children,” Chipps said. “When I was going to school it was very hard, it wasn’t easy. But I see now our students are looked after very well.”
The campus will cut down the hours-long commute out to Camosun, UVic, and the Justice Institute making post-secondary education more accessible. The first building is scheduled to open in 2024.
Around the 'Shore
🚊 Horgan dampened hopes for restored E&N train passenger service. After announcing the new post-secondary campus in Langford, the premier took questions for reporters. He faced the inevitable question of the E&N trail: will it or won't it? Horgan said as valuable as the corridor is, the price is just too high. Especially considering the last stop is in Esquimalt, and wouldn't get passengers all the way to Victoria.
🛍️ We love local shops! The Westshore is connecting independent online local Shopify shops with our readers. Email us to find out how to get your Shopify store included.
💥 Langford’s new noise bylaw took effect May 16and so far, though three applications for an exemption have been filed, none have been granted. The bylaw prohibits noisy construction work on Sunday. [Goldstream Gazette]
🤝 Now hiring: Digital Marketing Coordinator at Ocean Diagnostics.
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TOGETHER WITH FRONTRUNNERS
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Community Events
🔥 LateShift at Herm WilliamsColwood’s big Eats & Beats bash is over, but they still host a live band every Friday in a different park, and every Saturday at the Esquimalt Lagoon. This Friday LateShift, which covers 50s and 60s pop songs, performs at Herm Williams on Kelly Road, 6-8pm. Rock of Ages, a classic rock cover band, performs at the Lagoon on Saturday, 5-7pm.
🏁 Westshore Speedway has six weeks left before it closes for good, and every weekend is packed with events. This Saturday, catch the Raptor Excavating Night followed by Wilson & Proctor NABRA Big Rig Night on Sunday. Then on Aug. 19-20, the 60th annual Daffodil Cup will draw crowds including contestants from south of the border.
What’s Offshore?
Esquimalt Lagoon looking towards Washington State, taken on August 3, 2022 (📸 Tom Gierasimczuk)
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#5⛴ The Guang Heng Hai is a Bulk Carrier built in 2017 and is sailing under the flag of Hong Kong. It is sailing from 🇨🇳 Changbai, China ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver and was scheduled to arrive yesterday, but seems to be delayed.
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Westshore Eats
(Bin4 Facebook)
🥗 The Westshore has partnered with Tasting Victoria, Vancouver Island's largest food-themed Instagram account, to curate a must-try recommendation on the Westshore.
🍔 **Tasting Victoria recommends:**Bin 4 Burger Lounge, Victoria’s best burger, according to readers in the 2022 Best Restaurants Awards, presented by Portofino Bakery. Their list of 17+ burgers incorporates international flavours like wagyu beef, bison, chicken, lamb, and ahi tuna. There also are plant-based options, including chickpea, lentil, and tofu burgers. Toppings can be removed or substituted to accommodate dietary restrictions, and a vegetarian or vegan patty easily can replace the beef. If you have an allergy to gluten, you can ask for a gluten-free bun.
🍟 **Must-try item:**Bin 19: “The Big Dipper.” Brant Lake Wagyu beef, caramelized onions AND crispy onions, swiss cheese, roasted garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, and a heavenly rosemary beef dip
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