New Westminster, BC – August 13, 2024 – Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice is pleased to announce the launch of its Community Advisory Group (CAG). The CAG is a volunteer-based committee that will be an important and vital advisor to the Fraser Northwest Collaborative Services Committee (CSC) and Fraser Northwest Primary Care Network (PCN) on matters related to patient care and advocacy.

The CAG will be co-chaired by both a patient partner and a representative from a community organization and will consist of approximately 10-12 people who represent patient populations in the community. Membership will aim to be as diverse as possible, ensuring representation from a variety of patient populations, including those who experience health inequities due to social determinants of health.

The CAG's primary responsibilities will be to provide patients' perspectives and offer advice on matters identified by the FNW CSC or PCN Council and its subcommittees. The CAG will also act as a catalyst for change, advocating for collaborative patient-centred care as a key strategy in addressing emergent health care issues.

"The Community Advisory Group is an important step in ensuring that our healthcare system is patient-centred," said Dr. Gina Zheng, co-chair of Fraser Northwest Division Board of Directors. "We believe that by including diverse, autonomous, and authentic voices of patients and agencies supporting patients in the Fraser Northwest, we will be able to better meet the needs of our community."

The CAG’s term of appointment will be two years with two renewals up to a maximum of 3 terms. Meetings will be held in person with the option to join virtually. In-person locations may include the Division office or Executive Plaza in Coquitlam. Meetings will occur four times per year, with additional meetings called as needed at the discretion of the Chair(s). Meeting times and location will accommodate members who have disability or mobility limitations.

The CAG will be committed to recognizing excellence in patient involvement through awards and other forms of recognition, by defining and sharing good practices for patient and community engagement, and by assisting with evaluation of activities and impact.

"We are excited to launch this new committee and look forward to working closely with our community members to ensure that we are providing the best possible care for our patients," said Dr. Jennifer Yun, previous co-chair of the Fraser Northwest Division.
 

We are currently looking for Community Organizations interested in providing input and feedback on our PCN activities and informing us of their community partner perspectives. To apply please fill out this online form.
 

About Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice
Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice, located in uptown New Westminster, is one of 35 divisions in British Columbia that make up the BC Divisions of Family Practice, an initiative of the Family Practice Services Committee, a partnership between the Province of B.C. and Doctors of B.C. Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice currently has over 450 members that provide primary care services in Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.

Links
Fraser Northwest Division
Community Advisory Group
FNW Primary Care Network
Divisions of Family Practice
Family Practice Services Committee
Application Form