More clinic space.
More providers.
More care close to home.
Community Coast Health Society(CCHS) is a Lower Sunshine Coast
non-profit working to create community clinic space and support so healthcare providers can focus on what matters most: caring for patients.
A community-led solution to a local healthcare access challenge.
Everyone deserves access to primary care
close to home.
THE NEED
The challenge goes beyond recruitment.
The challenge isn't only attracting healthcare providers to the Sunshine Coast. Local recruitment efforts have successfully identified primary care physicians interested in relocating here, only for some to encounter another barrier once they arrive: finding suitable clinic space in which to practise.
Without accessible clinic space and the infrastructure needed to establish and manage a practice, recruiting providers becomes much harder to turn into lasting access to care.
Community Coast Health Society was created to address the gap.
Primary Care Access
Thousands of Lower Sunshine Coast residents remain without consistent access to a local primary care provider.
Clinic Capacity
Early modelling explores space for approximately 8–9 full-time-equivalent practitioners.
Recruitment
Providers interested in relocating can face barriers finding suitable clinic space.
Community Solution
CCHS is developing a locally governed model designed to make establishing a practice easier and more sustainable.
OUR STORY
From a healthcare challenge to a community-led solution.
The idea behind Community Coast Health Society began with the Sunshine Coast Division of Family Practice, which brought together the Community Health Advisory Table (CHAT) to explore local solutions to the Sunshine Coast's primary care access challenge.
The Division was successfully recruiting primary care physicians interested in relocating to the Sunshine Coast, but another barrier was becoming clear: recruitment was only part of the solution. Providers also needed suitable clinic space and practical support to establish sustainable practices here.
Inspired by successful community-led clinic models in Whistler, Bowen Island and Colwood, the group spent the following year exploring what could work locally. They studied different clinic models, considered potential approaches for Sechelt and Gibsons, and worked with Community Futures on early feasibility and financial modelling.
That work ultimately led to the incorporation of Community Coast Health Society, creating a Board-led organization to move the idea from community discussion toward implementation.
Ready-to-Practice Space
Exam rooms, equipment, technology, furnishings and shared clinical spaces.
Clinic Operations
Facility management, cleaning, utilities and the infrastructure needed to keep a clinic running.
Administrative Support
Reception, patient flow, medical office assistant (MOA) and practice administration support.
Flexible Practice
Shared and part-time practice options designed to support different ways of working.
WHAT CCHS IS BUILDING
CCHS exists to develop and manage community-based medical clinic space.
Our goal is to reduce the practical and financial barriers healthcare providers face when establishing a practice on the Sunshine Coast.
CCHS is currently exploring a promising potential clinic opportunity in Sechelt as the first phase of a broader Lower Sunshine Coast vision. We are working to create ready-to-practice clinical space where physicians, nurse practitioners and allied health providers can focus on patient care instead of carrying the full burden of setting up and managing a clinic.
WHAT THIS IS NOT
We want to be clear about our role.
CCHS is working toward better access to primary care, but we are not currently a healthcare provider nor operating medical clinics.
Not a clinic
We do not currently provide medical care, appointments, or patient intake.
Not a replacement
We complement, rather than replace, existing clinics, healthcare providers and health organizations.
No promises of attachment
Our goal is to increase primary care capacity over time, but we cannot guarantee when individual residents will be connected with a provider.
Looking for medical care? CCHS does not provide medical advice, urgent care or emergency services.
OUR BOARD & ADVISORS
Experienced. Community-minded. Committed.
Our volunteer Board brings together local leadership, professional experience and a shared commitment to strengthening primary care on the Lower Sunshine Coast.
Darnelda Siegers
President
.jpg)
Rob Lehman
Vice President
Bob Hoy
Secretary
.jpeg)
Edward Krickan
Treasurer
.png)
Morgan Beall
Strategic Advisor
Jason Jenkins
Project Contractor
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.
Is Community Coast Health Society a medical clinic?
No. CCHS is a registered BC non-profit working to develop the infrastructure and capacity needed to support increased primary care capacity. We are not currently operating a clinic or providing medical services.
Can I get a family doctor or nurse practitioner through CCHS?
Not at this time. CCHS does not provide patient intake, appointments or attachment to healthcare providers.
Is CCHS replacing existing healthcare or clinics?
No. CCHS is intended to complement existing healthcare providers, clinics and organizations by helping address the infrastructure and capacity needed to recruit and support primary care and thereby increase timely access to care.
How can I support CCHS?
CCHS is currently seeking seed funding and pledges to help bring the first clinic to life. Charitable status is pending, so tax receipts are not yet available.
SUPPORT THE WORK
Help bring the first clinic to life.
Establishing the first clinic requires significant upfront investment for planning, development, equipment, and initial operations.
CCHS is actively seeking seed funding and pledges to help move the first clinic from planning to reality.
Partnerships
Organizations and community partners can help strengthen the network supporting this work.
Professional Support
Expertise, services and introductions can help CCHS move from planning toward implementation.
Stay Connected
Follow our progress and learn about future opportunities to support the work.
