Corporate body

Richmond-Delta Professional Practice Group

• RDPPG
• Gulf of Georgia Chapter

1967-2002

The Richmond-Delta Professional Practice Group (RDPPG) of the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia (RNABC), originally named the Gulf of Georgia Chapter (1967-1986) was established in 1967. The group formed following the opening of the Richmond General Hospital in 1966. Registered nurses from Richmond and the surrounding area applied to the RNABC to form a new chapter, and the inaugural meeting was held on January 24, 1967. The Chapter was part of the Fraser Valley District and encompassed the following areas: Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, Steveston, Walnut Grove and Delta. The first executive was Mary Jean Geddes (President), Louise Van Baer and Kay Pitcairn (Vice-Presidents), Helen Marie Traill (Secretary), Goldie Sayers (Treasurer).

The primary functions of the RDPPG focused on the local region, including fundraising initiatives, nurses’ education, public health instruction, community involvement, celebratory events, government lobbying, health care advocacy, celebratory events and others. Fundraised money was used for nurses’ attendance to the RNABC annual meetings, continued education and charitable donations. The RDPPG regularly hosted educational workshops, chapter meetings, celebratory events and coordinated member recognition initiatives. The Chapter was consistently involved in Nursing Week, held annually in May with the purpose of informing the public of local healthcare and hospital activities. Events surrounding Nursing Week included health fairs, programs, workshops, prizes, events, and displays centering on a variety of health care topics. Outside of Nursing Week the Chapter organized health fairs at Richmond Square and Landsdowne Mall, preparing displays, posters, pamphlets, and other reference material for the public. Several Chapter members received RNABC awards and recognition during their careers for outstanding contributions and excellence in nursing practice including, Maude Anderson, Kathy Murphy, Lenore Radom.

Between 1977-1987 major shifts in Canadian Health Care and the birth of the BC Nurses Union altered the Chapter’s activities. In 1981 the BCNU separated from the RNABC and began functioning as a separate entity. During this period, the RDPPG like other Chapter’s in the province became active in lobbying, in support of various causes including mandatory registration, Canadian Health Care Act, nursing school accreditation, opposition to lay-offs and the Nurses Act. From 1987-1997, the group advocated for changes to health education in schools, amendments to the Registered Nurses Act and increased education around topics such as alcohol and pregnancy.

As a sub-group of the RNABC, the Chapter was closely associated with the affairs of the Association. The Chapter prepared several resolutions to propose to the RNABC throughout its existence. These resolutions pushed for additional Chapter support, the establishment of Standards for Nursing Practice and programs to address aggressive workplace behaviour. In 1990, the Chapter undertook an extensive survey and prepared a submission to the Royal Commission on Health Care and Costs, titled Nurse’s Work Life. The submission addressed concerns of nurses from the Chapter’s area regarding the quality of work environment and the impacts on health and safety of patients. In 1995, the provincial government announced the New Directions for Healthy British Columbia – The Closer to Home Report, which established 20 health regions. Chapter members were elected to the Richmond and Delta HCSPAC and would be voting members in the Regional Health Board and Community Health Council. These regionalization efforts were disbanded when the BC government later restructured the health plan.

In 1993, the Chapter began providing a scholarship bursary to a graduating Richmond or Delta student entering nursing. Following the 30th anniversary celebration in 1997, the Chapter encountered challenges related to participation and support by members willing to serve on the executive. A decision was made to dissolve the Chapter in 2002.