There is a serious shortage of healthcare workers in BC, and addressing the shortage in our region is a big part of what we do at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. In this episode of Harbouring Hope, we’re talking about some of the initiatives underway to encourage healthcare workers to make the move to Nanaimo, and what we’re doing to make sure they feel welcome enough to stay.

Tod Maffin joins us to tell us how he and his wife Jocelyn started their Nanaimo Infusion events. What began as a fun little project to boost local tourism quickly turned into an effective way to attract healthcare workers from south of the border. Cody Dreger, local Realtor and Board Member at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, is also on the podcast to talk about the Foundation's Red Carpet Program, which helps healthcare workers relocate to Nanaimo, find housing, and feel welcome in their new home.

Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance

Tod Maffin, Emotional Support Canadian, Founder of Nanaimo Infusion

Tod Maffin is a digital marketing strategist, content creator, former national radio host, and public speaker. He is best recognized for his commentaries on Canadian identity, history, and culture, as well as his expertise in emerging technology and online business strategy. Tod and his wife Jocelyn are the founders of Nanaimo Infusion, an initiative to attract tourists from the U.S. to Nanaimo. These events led to another initiative focused on encouraging American healthcare professionals to relocate to Nanaimo. Infusion events have since spread to other communities across Canada.

Cody Dreger, Realtor, Island Home Group, Board Member, Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

Cody Dreger is a lifelong Nanaimo resident and top-producing real estate agent. With over 20 years of local market experience, he specializes in residential homes and new developments across Central Vancouver Island. Cody is a prominent figure in the Vancouver Island community and actively supports and works with many local charities. He is a member of the Board of Directors at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, where he contributes to initiatives like the Red Carpet Program.

About Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

Harbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.

About your Host

Barney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.

Additional Resources from this Episode

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

● TodMaffin.com
● Cody Dreger, Board of Directors, NDHF
● Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

#podcast #hospital

Did you know Nanaimo is one of the most exciting places to be for healthcare professionals who want a chance to make a difference? That’s because austerity has made our region a breeding ground for innovative approaches to delivering healthcare.

In this episode of Harbouring Hope, we’re talking about some of the most innovative programs happening at our healthcare facilities. Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s Executive Medical Director Kelly Cox joins us to share how healthcare disparities are fostering a positive, forward-thinking culture that attracts talent and encourages creative approaches to building the programs our community needs. And of course, innovation would not be possible without the generous support of donors and engaged business leaders in our community. Colin Stansfield from the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation is also on the podcast to share why it’s important to invest in these kinds of transformative healthcare initiatives. 

Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance

• Dr. Kelly Cox, Executive Medical Director, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Dr. Kelly Cox is a prominent pediatrician and the Executive Medical Director at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). She has dedicated over a decade to serving the central Vancouver Island community through local medical leadership, pediatric healthcare development, and workforce advocacy

• Colin Stansfield, CEO, Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation

Colin Stansfield is an economic development leader and CEO of the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation (NPC), which partners with local businesses, municipal governments, the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and community stakeholders to build a sustainable and inclusive economy. Stansfield specializes in "purpose-driven" economic development. His approach balances business growth with public policy, social justice, and environmental sustainability. He focuses heavily on creating collaborative "win-win-win" scenarios where community wealth is shared equitably among local residents and regional partners.

About Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

Harbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.

About your Host

Barney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.

Additional Resources from this Episode

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

• Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
• Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation
• Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation
• Donate Now!
• Code Brew Cafe
• Nanaimo Lifeline

#podcast #health

Nanaimo is a historically blue-collar community, where access to healthcare has long been a challenge. This area is home to half the population of Vancouver Island but only gets 1/5th of its health resources. On this first episode of Season 2 of Harbouring Hope, host Barney Ellis-Perry chats with Donna Hais and Jon Waddell from the Fair Care Alliance, a grassroots advocacy group that’s been working hard to address these gaps and make our healthcare needs a key political issue. Thanks to their advocacy, Nanaimo now stands out as the only community in British Columbia with two healthcare projects approved to move forward into concept planning––a new patient tower and a cardiovascular cath lab.

Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance

• Donna Hais, Co-Founder, Fair Care Alliance

Donna Hais is a Nanaimo business leader and healthcare advocate dedicated to improving access to specialized healthcare on Central and North Vancouver Island. She serves on the Board of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, is Community Liaison for the Medical Staff Association, chairs the Fair Care Alliance and the Nanaimo Port Authority, and serves on the Mayor's Leaders Table. Former President of both the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and the Nanaimo Executive Association, she has been a leading voice advocating for expanded tertiary healthcare services for the residents of Central and North Vancouver Island. In 2014, she was named Nanaimo's Community Leader of the Year.

• Jon Waddell aka “The Celtic Warrior”, Board Member, Fair Care Alliance

Jon Waddell is a successful businessman, healthcare advocate and community leader with the Fair Care Alliance, a citizen-led coalition working to secure equitable access to tertiary healthcare for residents of Central and North Vancouver Island. Through the Alliance, he has helped champion the case for a new patient tower and a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, highlighting the healthcare disparities faced by nearly half a million residents living north of the Malahat. Waddell works alongside physicians, business leaders, Indigenous leaders, and community organizations to advocate for modern healthcare infrastructure and improved access to specialized care for the region.

About Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

Harbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.

About your Host

Barney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.

Additional Resources from this Episode

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

• Fair Care Alliance
• Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation
• Donate Now!
• Code Brew Cafe
• Nanaimo Lifeline

#podcast #healthcare

In Season 2 of Harbouring Hope, we're exploring the people, partnerships, and bold ideas transforming healthcare in Nanaimo and across Central and North Vancouver Island. Join Barney Ellis-Perry, your host and CEO of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, as he chats with people from the front lines of our healthcare facilities and those whose generous time and donations help support ongoing improvement of healthcare in our community. 

This second season digs deeper into topics like healthcare advocacy, innovation, philanthropy and all the exciting things happening here in our region. From advocates who are turning healthcare into a defining political issue, to people working to attract fresh talent from across the border, to people whose own medical journeys have inspired them to get involved, our guests this season will open your eyes to a world of possibility and hope for a better tomorrow.

About Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

Harbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.

About your Host

Barney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.

#podcast #hospital #healthcare

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis-Perry.

In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls.

Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible.

In this episode, we meet Dr. David Forrest, a Critical Care Physician at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Dr. Forrest shares the successes and challenges of the cardiac department at the hospital, and how many patients need to go to Victoria for cardiac care, and why this is not ideal.

We will also meet Pat Morris, who went from patient to dedicated donor, after she experienced cardiac issues in 2015, shortly after her husband died.

Meet our Guests:

Dr. David Forrest, Critical Care Physician
Pat Morris, Donor

Meet our Host:

Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%.

Additional Resources from this Episode

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/
Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis Perry. In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls. Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible.In this episode, we meet Dr. Rob Johnson, the head of Radiology at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Dr. Johnson shares the successes and challenges of the imaging department at the hospital. He also details the importance of Nuclear Medicine at the hospital. We will also meet Carly Carey, a two-time cancer “thriver”, who went from patient to dedicated volunteer, who ran a successful campaign for a new SpecCT for the hospital. She shares her journey through cancer, as well as her volunteer work. 

Meet our Guest:

-

Dr. Rob Johnson, Head of Radiology at NRGH

-

Carly Carey, Volunteer

Meet our Host:

Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%.

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/

Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/
#podcast

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis Perry. In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls. Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible. In this episode, we meet Shelley Gallant, Executive Director Of Operations and Community Care, Palliative End of Life, and Seniors Strategies. Shelley oversees delivery of community health services at a variety of service facilities around Central Vancouver Island. She shares what services are provided to the population of Central Island, which is the oldest population in Canada.

Meet our Guest: Shelley Gallant, Executive Director Of Operations and Community Care, Palliative End of Life, and Seniors Strategies

Meet our Host: Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: Nanaimo & District Hospital

Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/

Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

Season 1 Episode 3

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis-Perry. In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls.

Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible. In this episode, we meet Damian Lange, the Site Lead of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. He details his role within the hospital and the flexibility of his team. Damian also shares details about upcoming projects at the hospital, such as the new cancer centre. Damian also shares what keeps him coming into the office each day… continuing to help those in need while maintaining an excellent attitude in tough conditions under extreme pressure.

Meet our Guest: Damian Lange, Site Lead for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Meet our Host: Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/
Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

#podcast

Season 1 Episode 2 

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis-Perry.

In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls.

Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible.

In this episode, we meet Tony Harris, the Chair of the Hospital Foundation Board. Barney and Tony discuss Tony’s history of philanthropy with the Foundation, how the growing Nanaimo region is facing overwhelming pressure on its healthcare system, and why potential donors should consider giving even though the hospital is tax-funded.

Meet our Guest:

• Tony Harris, Chair of the Board of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

Meet our Host:

Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%.

Additional Resources from this Episode 

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/

Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

#podcast

Season 1 Episode 1 

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis-Perry.

In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls.

Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible.

In today’s episode, we take a walk around the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to meet the people who keep it running behind the scenes and on the front lines. From nurses and doctors to custodial staff and administrators, we hear their stories, learn about their daily challenges and triumphs, and gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into making each day possible at the hospital.

Meet our Host:

Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%.

Additional Resources from this Episode 

We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/

Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

#podcast