Improving access to mental health services is a top priority for divisions across BC, but many divisions experience logistical challenges in achieving this goal—particularly rural and remote communities.

Family physicians in five Fraser Northwest (FNW) clinics are now working with RNs embedded in their practices as part of the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice’s work to build and strengthen primary care networks in the region.

The Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice has partnered with Fraser Health and SHARE counselling organization to provide local patients with regular, timely access to a clinical counsellor. The program is part of the division’s goal to improve patient and provider experience of care through primary care networks, driven by concerns raised by division members who were struggling to support their patients with mild to moderate mental health challenges.

Doctors and divisions are invited to participate the next webinar in the FPSC’s series about data tools that can support physicians in their practices, and the development of patient medical homes and primary care networks on:

October 23, 2019 at 8 AM (Register).

Family doctors and their MOAs are encouraged to participate in an upcoming four-part webinar series about FPSC incentive fees.

Based on physician feedback, the FPSC and SGP are expanding their series to all family doctors and their MOAs. The webinars were first presented to new-to-practice GPs in winter 2018 and spring 2019.

Led by physician educators, the webinars are cumulative and content specific.

When it comes to providing the best possible care for her diverse patient population, Prince George physician Dr Susie Butow relies on the support of the primary care team in her practice. In fact, she’s never worked any other way.

“I have the fortune to have never been in practice without being integrated into an interprofessional primary care team,” explains Dr Butow. “With my team, I can spend more time focusing on and addressing the social determinants of health, which not only improves the health of my patients—it creates healthier communities overall.”

Divisions wishing to create a publically accessible local database of community health and social services now have two options: Fetch, and a new public version of Pathways called the Pathways Community Service Directory.

Residents of Gabriola Island banded together to build a leading-edge community health facility through volunteer efforts, fundraising, and collaborating with local partners and stakeholders when a lack of available clinic space began to impact the island’s ability to recruit new doctors and health care providers.

The Maple Ridge Youth Wellness Centre will soon be able to expand its range of services following support from the provincial Foundry program.