Shuswap Hospital Foundation director of development Fiona Harris was happy to make a trip to the Sorrento Health Centre recently.
“The foundation was honoured to have received a donation of $10,000 from the late Frank Barnard,” says Harris. “This donation was specifically requested to be used to assist the Sorrento & Area Community Health Centre.”
The funds will assist in completing the second stage of the renovation to its exam rooms. In addition, a memorial wall has been built to recognize community donors who have made the health centre possible.
The Frank Barnard Memorial Tree, painted by area artist Judy Frederickson, is featured on one of the walls at the health centre.
Barnard lived in Sorrento-Blind Bay his whole life. His interest in trees and reforestation led him to establish the forerunner of the Sorrento Tree Nursery.
In his final days, he received care from staff at the health centre, which he so appreciated.
The health centre is unique in British Columbia as Judy Deringer, nurse practitioner, operates independently in its location above Munro’s Sorrento Prescriptions on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Nurse practitioners are able to assess, diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, order diagnostic tests, and make referrals to specialists. The health centre is a partnership between Interior Health and the community.