The following Ministry of Health memo was shared with health authorities, divisions and MSAS on November 18, 2020.

In recognition of additional planning work required to action the Ministry of Health’s Management of COVID-19 Health Sector Plan for Fall/Winter 2020/21 (http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID-19_fall-winter_preparation.pdf), released in September 2020, the Ministry of Health is providing funding for physician time spent on associated planning activities.

November 13, 2020 | We recently updated styles on the divisions website to improve accessibility for visitors with visual impairments. To do this, we listened to divisions’ feedback, did a website audit, reviewed best practices, and identified solutions that bring us closer to a website more inclusive to users of all abilities.

Here are the website style changes:

November 5, 2020 | Approximately two-thirds of family doctors in BC have already signed up to list their profiles on the Pathways Medical Care Directory (previously called the Pathways Virtual Care Directory).

October 23, 2020 | The GPSC plays an important role in advocating for and supporting partnerships on the ground, so that family doctors and divisions can collaborate successfully with health authorities, resulting in better care for patients.

October 21, 2020 | With many community doctors turning to virtual care to keep patients and staff safe during the pandemic, one of the questions raised was:  “What can we do to help vulnerable patients who don’t have access to technology?”

October 19, 2020 | The GPSC has approved $5-million in one-time funding for divisions to support them in active planning, implementation and monitoring of local and regional responses to COVID-19 through the fall and winter.

On Thursday, September 24, divisions of family practice and partners received the Primary Care COVID-19 Response Framework for fall 2020 from the Ministry of Health.

Strong coordination and collaboration between health authorities, divisions, and community partners are important to meet the primary care needs that will arise in fall. Divisions are encouraged to connect with health authority partners and public health through the partnership tables for planning and delivery of COVID-19 response services in communities.

With influenza season around the corner, many divisions and physicians are considering how they will approach flu vaccinations this year. A wave of COVID-19 and flu in the fall would be a double burden on seniors and other high-risk groups.  With COVID-19 still circulating in the province, we anticipate that the need and demand for flu vaccinations will be high.

GPSC leaders are strongly encouraging family physicians who are participating in PSP services such as coaching or Panel Management to enrol with the Health Data Coalition (HDC).

On May 28, 2020, the General Practice Services Committee and BC Family Doctors hosted a live webinar to discuss new temporary billing changes effective June 1, 2020. These changes include new age-adjusted Telehealth fees and temporary changes to chronic disease management (CDM) visits and 14066 in-person requirements.