ROAM-SP is an initiative supported by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC) and operationalized through the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc). The program was developed as a response to the ongoing challenges that maternity services face in rural B.C. Its main objective is to enable the delivery of sustainable rural maternity services in BC by identifying, developing, and supporting peer, facility, and regional networks and relationships.
This program will contribute towards creating connections and enhancing team approaches for maternity care providers in rural communities across BC. Community providers can design and customize initiatives to best meet the needs of local maternity team members. To ensure the successful implementation of this program, RCCbc has brought together an interdisciplinary co-leadership team having an obstetrician, a registered midwife, a registered nurse, family physicians, and a project coordinator, all of whom share a passion for sustainable rural maternity care.
ROAM-SP has three main elements:
- Peer, Facility, and Regional Network Identification, Enhancement, and Support
- Obstetrical Team Peer Coaching
- Real Time Virtual Obstetrics Support
Eligible communities
The ROAM-SP team aims to support BC’s 31 rural 1a and 1b communities as follows:
- Interior Health: Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, Lillooet, Nelson, Penticton, Revelstoke, Shuswap/Salmon Arm, Trail, Williams Lake, Vernon
- Northern Health: Dawson Creek, Hazelton, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte, Quesnel, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Fort St John.
- Vancouver Coastal Health: Powell River, Sechelt, Squamish
- Island Health: Campbell River, Comox, Duncan, Port Alberni, Port Hardy/Port McNeill, Salt Spring Island
ROAM-SP initiatives will be co-created by and with communities, with the aim of meeting local needs. An emphasis is placed on strengthening local teams, enabling them to continue beyond this program.
Funding
ROAM-SP has received funding from the JSC to support the above rural 1a and 1b communities with the implementation of activities from 2019-2021 period. Connect with us to learn more about the funds available for your community.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
ROAM-SP will be evaluated regularly, with the objective of monitoring and reporting on the progress made and ensuring that the lessons learned are shared with other communities and relevant stakeholders. Elements of ROAM-SP may be adjusted according to the evaluation results to ensure that activities are supporting rural maternity service providers in the best way possible.
Contact us
For further information on ROAM-SP, please contact Tatiana Ticona, Project Coordinator, at tticona@rccbc.ca or call toll-free at 1-877-908-8222.
