A new logo has been created for Real-Time Virtual Support (RTVS) to help ensure more people become aware of the pathways and can benefit from their services.
The logo was designed by Coast Salish artist Douglas (Bear) Horne, son of master carver, Doug Lafortune, from Tsawout First Nation, and Kathleen Horne, from Pacheedaht First Nation.
For the RTVS logo, Bear created a hummingbird with a sun motif. The hummingbird is something that Bear enjoys carving and drawing. He says: “When I see them, for me, they represent love and care and healing. That’s why I used this design for RTVS.”
When I see them, for me, they represent love and care and healing. That’s why I used this design for RTVS.
Bear Horne, Artist
He adds: “I use the sun as well. The sun brings a calming presence. When you think about the sun you think about happiness and warmth.”
Bear completed his first carving at the age of eight and his career as an artist has grown from there. “I’ve always wanted to be an artist,” he says. It’s kind of something I’ve been involved with my entire life. I always really wanted to work with my dad and seeing him carve totem poles that were going all over the world, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Bear’s work can be seen in galleries across British Columbia (BC) and on the Orange Shirt Society of Victoria’s official orange shirt. Some notable commissions of his include a carved podium for Camosun College, as well as the conference table for Camosun Innovates.
Dr. John Pawlovich, virtual health lead, Rural Coordination Centre of BC, said he was pleased to see the progression of Real-Time Virtual Support from a project spearheaded by a few devoted professionals in a handful of communities to a recognizable province-wide service with its own branding.
“The way that all of our partners have come together to bring RTVS to more communities in BC is an incredibly important achievement and this beautiful logo is a powerful way to recognize that and to honour our commitment to increasing health equity for rural, remote and Indigenous communities.”
The way that all of our partners have come together to bring RTVS to more communities in BC is an incredibly important achievement and this beautiful logo is a powerful way to recognize that and to honour our commitment to increasing health equity for rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Dr. John Pawlovich
RTVS pathways are connecting rural healthcare providers and patients to RTVS Virtual Physicians via Zoom or telephone.
RTVS supports rural healthcare providers, reduces out of pocket costs for patients seeking care, and fosters patient-centred care by bridging specialties and transfers in a timely manner.
There are two types of pathways—those for healthcare providers, and those for patients.
Rural providers have 24/7 access to pathways via Zoom or telephone for Emergency (RUDi), Pediatrics (CHARLiE), and Maternity and Newborn (MaBAL). In addition, several “Quick Reply” pathways—Dermatology, Hematology, Myofascial Pain, Post-COVID-19 Recovery Clinic Referral, Rheumatology, Thrombosis—are also available weekdays during regular business hours.
Patients can also use RTVS through the First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations Doctor of the Day and the First Nations Vrtual Substance Use and Psychiatric Service pathways. These pathways offer care to BC First Nations people and their families (even if not Indigenous).
In addition, rural, remote, and First Nations citizens may be connected to an RTVS Virtual Physician on the HEiDi (HealthLink BC Emergency iDoctor-in-assistance) pathway when they call HealthLink BC (8-1-1).
For more information on RTVS visit the webpage.