For four decades, Dr. Tom Bailey was dedicated to caring for others, including generations of families in the West Shore where he began his medical practice.
In 1984, he got his start in long-term care at the Priory Hospital and eventually became President of Medical Staff for the Juan de Fuca Hospitals (Aberdeen, Glengarry, Mt. Tolmie and Priory Hospitals).
An advocate for seniors’ health, Dr. Bailey was instrumental in encouraging the development of a medical model which provides enhanced care for long-term care residents and support for the staff team.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bailey served with humility in various leadership positions at Island Health, as President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Family Practice at UBC and an associate professor in the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Victoria.
His dedication extended to Eldercare, where he sat on the Board of Directors for 16 years. Dr. Bailey brought his passions of caring for seniors and continuing education to Foundation. He was a member of Eldercare’s Awards Committee, where he helped support the education of healthcare employees from housekeeping staff to medical staff, all to provide the best possible care for seniors.
Following his death in October 2019, Eldercare Foundation worked with his family to memorialize his many contributions and legacy in two ways.
Firstly, the Tom Bailey Memorial Bursary was created to recognize the deep respect Bailey had for those working directly with vulnerable seniors. It is awarded annually to Camosun College students enrolled in Health Care Assistant, Practical Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing programs.
Secondly, Eldercare commissioned a beautiful bonze statue called Circle of Life, located in the courtyard garden of the Summit long-term care home in Quadra Village, Victoria. At the unveiling, Tim Orr, Island Health’s former long-term care director said: “Tom was a staunch advocate for long-term care and was instrumental in encouraging leaders to develop a medical model that provides enhanced care for residents and support for the staff team.”
The Circle of Life bronze sculpture.
Dr Manville speaking with Mary Ellen Purkis, Carmella Vezza and Lori McLeod looking on.
