Posted on Dec 16, 2025
For generations, Haida Gwaii residents have faced long, expensive journeys for the most routine medical procedures—traveling to Prince Rupert, Terrace, or Prince George for care. Through the leadership of local physicians, community collaboration, and support from the Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs), change is happening.
In Daajing Giids, a small coastal community at the heart of Haida Gwaii, a team of physicians and nurses at Xaayda Gwaay Ngaaysdll Naay (Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre) has established access to vasectomy and minor surgical procedures, reducing wait times and the need for patients to travel off-island for some care
“People really need to look at a map to understand how hard it can be to get care here,” says family physician Dr John Barnhill. “We’re talking ferries, flights, arranging for childcare, days away from home and work — and for many, a deep reluctance to leave their land. Being able to access care locally is not just a convenience; it’s a matter of equity and connection.”
Listening to the community
The idea began at a Medical Staff Association meeting, where doctors asked a simple question: What could we offer that people most need? After asking community members, one answer stood out — vasectomy services.
“We realized we could provide excellent care for minor surgeries within our skill set,” says Dr Barnhill. “So, we started offering vasectomies — safely and effectively.”
In just two years, the team has performed more than 20 vasectomies and dozens of surgical consultations, saving local families significant time and expense.
A whole-team effort
The project’s success is rooted in teamwork and made possible by the Joint Collaborative Committees, a unique partnership between Doctors of BC and BC Government. This support enabled physicians to partner with Northern Health to build the vasectomy service from the ground up. Together, they secured nursing time, reorganized schedules, prepared a sterilized operating space, and obtained the necessary instruments and biomedical support. This coordinated effort—and the strong collaboration among physicians, nurses, administration, and midwives—created the infrastructure and confidence needed to safely provide minor surgical procedures that were not available locally before.
“It took everyone to make this possible,” says Dr. Barnhill. “The project has enhanced a sense of pride and unity across the islands."
Looking ahead
The team is hoping to offer minor hand surgery and endoscopy, with the goal of bringing visiting anesthetic services for minor day procedures.
“With the right support, we can keep building services that reflect the needs and values of the people who live here,” says Dr Barnhill.
For other rural communities, Dr Barnhill’s message is simple: use the supports available through the Joint Collaborative Committees. “The JCCs and the Rural Coordination Centre of BC give us the framework and encouragement to try,” he said. “It’s joyful and rewarding work — and it truly makes a difference for the people we serve.”
Learn more about how Joint Collaborative Committees funded initiatives are helping BC physicians build stronger, more sustainable care in rural and remote communities: https://www.collaborateonhealthbc.ca/our-impact/
About this project:
This project is funded by Facility Engagement, an initiative of the Specialist Services Committee (SSC). SSC is one of four Joint Collaborative Committees representing a partnership between Doctors of BC and the Government of BC.
Partners in this work included Xaayda Gwaay Ngaaysdll Naay (Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre), Northern Health and the Rural Coordination Centre of BC.
