September 15, 2020 | Government is transforming everyday health care for people living in the Central Interior rural region by establishing a primary care network, which will bring additional resources and strengthened support to the region.
“As part of our government’s primary care strategy, we’re transforming the way people in every corner of the province access health care. We’re establishing primary care networks to provide team-based care that meets the unique needs of communities and people,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The primary care network in Central Interior rural will support residents in getting access to the patient-centred care they need and deserve.”
The Ministry of Health will provide approximately $4.42 million in annual funding to the primary care network once it is fully established.
Over the next four years, residents of the Central Interior will benefit from approximately 31 full-time equivalent health providers who will provide better access to primary care. This includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, Aboriginal patient navigators and allied health professionals, such as social workers, mental health counsellors, dietitians, respiratory therapist, and a traditional wellness co-ordinator.
In addition, a traditional wellness co-ordinator, nurse practitioners and allied health professionals will be recruited in support of Indigenous health in Tsilhquot’in Nation, Secwepemc Nation and the Dakelh Dene Nation. For Indigenous peoples, this will mean more co-ordinated and culturally safe primary care support.
The primary care network is a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Interior Heath, the Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice, Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in and Dakelh Dene Nations and the First Nation Health Authority.