Primary care network attributes include:

• processes to ensure all people in a community have access to quality primary care and are attached within a PCN;
• provision of extended hours of care, including early mornings, evenings and weekends;
• provision of same-day access for urgently needed care through the PCN or an urgent primary-care centre;
• access to advice and information virtually (e.g., online, text, email) and face to face;
• provision of comprehensive primary care services through networking of primary care providers and teams, to include maternity, inpatient, residential, mild/moderate mental health and substance use, and preventative care;
• co-ordination of care with diagnostic services, hospital care, specialty care and specialized community services for all patients and with a particular emphasis on those with mental-health and substance-use conditions, those with complex medical conditions and/or frailty and surgical services provided in community;
• clear communication within the network of providers and to the public to create awareness about appropriate use of services; and
• care that is culturally safe and appropriate.

 

Mary Ackenhusen, president and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health –

“Vancouver Coastal Health is constantly looking at how we can expand and enhance services to better care for clients in need in our communities, when and where they need it. These networks will bring together and co-ordinate health-care providers, services and programs, making it easier for Richmond residents to access care providers, receive followup and connect to other services they may need. We’re excited to be a part of this new model of care serving our Richmond community. “

Dr. Eric Cadesky, president, Doctors of BC –

“The best health-care systems in the world have strong primary care and we hope that the primary care network initiative provides needed resources to doctors serving their community. A primary care network will collectively increase a community’s capacity to provide greater access to primary care for those who need it, especially for vulnerable patients and those with complex health conditions.”

Dr. Rachila Sharma Aucone, board chair, Richmond Divisions of Family Practice –

“This is a time of unprecedented change and opportunity for family medicine, and the Richmond Division of Family Practice is eager to work towards a more accessible and co-ordinated system of primary care through the development of primary care networks. This initiative will provide team-based care to our patients and greater support to family doctors practicing in Richmond.”

Sue Peck, director and nurse practitioner council president, Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia –

“Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of B.C. are pleased to see that the knowledge, skills and expertise of the entire health-care team will be utilized to improve access to health care for all British Columbians through the new primary care networks. We believe that this approach will be pivotal in ensuring B.C. families feel connected to their health-care team and we are excited to see the launch of primary-care networks in B.C."