Island opportunities are calling
Back in 1981, the Pender Islands Health Centre was “built by the community, for the community” and that community focus is every bit as true today. Our health centre is “the” place where islanders access the health and wellness services and programs that are such a vital part of community life.
If you’re thinking “I’d love to live and work on an island”, then we have the job for you! The Pender Islands Health Care Society operates the Health Centre and is looking to fill its Executive Director role to replace our director who is retiring later this year.
Island Health is also looking to fill a Family Practice vacancy at the Health Centre in the wake of the retirement of one of our long-term physicians last December.
Under one roof
The mission of the health care society is to facilitate access to primary health care and complementary services to support the health and wellbeing of the Pender Islands community.
To accomplish this important mandate, we manage the health care facility, enable the delivery of complementary health programs, seek and manage funding, engage the community to assess health and wellness needs, and advocate for improved health services. What that looks like in reality is captured in this “at-a-glance” chart.
Pender Island—a special place
Nestled in the Southern Gulf Islands, beautiful Pender Island is “just right”; not too big and not too small. Originally one island, Pender is made up of North and South Pender which were separated by a canal in 1903 and reconnected in 1955 by a one-lane bridge.
Along with many retired folks, there are a growing number of young families. The permanent population of 2,800 ebbs and flows with weekenders and a seasonal influx of visitors. (The peak summer population can swell to 7,500.) Most people live in Magic Lake Estates on North Pender. The rest of the island is a mix of rural residential and niche agriculture. Think winery, cidery, and market gardens. BC Ferries provides regular service to Victoria and Vancouver.
Local businesses and services supply most necessities of life: a full grocery store, school up to Gr. 9, gas station, post office, pharmacy, hardware stores, golf course; bakery, chocolate and coffee shops, two liquor stores, pubs and restaurants, B&Bs and upscale resorts. The weekly Farmers’ Market is a popular attraction.
Pender is known for its strong community feeling. Voluntarism is a hallmark of community life with many organizations welcoming participation. A vibrant arts, culture and music scene includes choir, theatre, museum, library, and public and private galleries. The monthly Pender Post and Pender Island Online Market Facebook group are “go-tos” for news.
A wonderful range of outdoor activities awaits resident and visitor alike. Whether it’s golfing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, hiking/walking, or gardening—it all happens in Canada’s only sub-Mediterranean climate—BC style!
For more info about…
- The Family Physician opening please visit the Island Health recruitment portal: https://medicalstaff.islandhealth.ca/index.php/careers/opportunities/4202/family-practice-200-1102
- The Executive Director job and how to apply please visit: https://penderislandhealth.org/EDsearch
