Jun 4, 2015

VANCOUVER PRIVATE CAMBIE SURGERY CENTRE (!986)


The Cambie Surgery Centre (CSC) was opened in 1996 by a group of nationally and internationally renowned doctors and independent investors. With the vision of Dr. Brian Day, it was the first medical facility of its kind in Canada. The founders wanted to build a facility where highly skilled doctors could perform surgery on their patients in an environment that offered them access to the latest technology in a setting that emphasized exceptional patient care. The CSC has recently been described by the media as “Canada’s finest medical facility”. Patients from around the world, including many famous celebrities and athletes, have travelled to Vancouver to receive care at the CSC.
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) was one of the first supporters of the CSC. Injured workers could be treated within weeks, rather than waiting a year or more in the public system. The WCB saved millions of dollars annually in reduced costs and workers suffered greatly reduced disability. Other federal and provincial agencies have joined the WCB in supporting the centre.
In July 2003, the CSC completed a 9,000 square foot expansion to expand its original 3 operating rooms to 6 operating rooms (3 of which are digital), 7 recovery beds, and 6 in patient rooms. CSC has more operating theatre capacity than most British Columbia hospitals.
The CSC is presently the most technologically advanced surgical centre in Canada and is committed to stay at the leading edge of new advances in medical technology. Through the use of its multi-media broadcast system, the CSC plans to host world conferences so that surgeons from all around the world can communicate and learn.

Jan 21, 2015

UK: 1200 INDEPENDENT DOCTORS.

UK: INDEPENDENT DOCTORS FEDERATION ( i.e NOT part of NHS)

History of the IDF

The IDF was started in 1989 under the name Independent Doctors Forum and it incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1992.  It was set up by a group of conscientious, like-minded and enthusiastic doctors working fulltime in the independent sector, who felt a platform was needed for open discussion, voicing ideas and exchanging views.
Since that time the IDF has grown in stature and significance and has taken on roles which far exceed the boundaries initially envisaged.  This has been particularly true with the introduction of appraisal and revalidation and its implications for member doctors.  It is also lobbying hard to make sure that the voice of the independent sector is heard within government, DOH, GMC, CQC.
Although aptly describing the initial aims of the group it was felt that the word Forum no longer fitted with the IDF's changing role and at a General Meeting held on 11th June 2009 members voted to change the company name from Independent Doctors Forum to Independent Doctors Federation. 
Membership of the IDF currently stands at just under 1200 - these are all GMC registered doctors in Independent Practice.  Members are currently split 2/3 Consultants; 1/3 GPs. We also have 46 corporate sponsors. 
To download a copy of the IDF's most recent accounts please click here.