September 15, 2020 | Government is transforming everyday health care for people living in the Central Okanagan by establishing three primary care networks, which will bring additional resources and strengthened support to the region
“We are transforming how people in B.C. access health-care services through the primary care strategy. This means that British Columbians are now getting more opportunities to get the team-based and comprehensive primary care they need, closer to home,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The Central Okanagan Primary Care Network region will support residents in getting access to the patient-centred care they need and deserve.”
The Ministry of Health will provide approximately $11.7 million in annual funding to the primary care network, once it is fully established.
Over the next four years, and across the three networks, residents of the Central Okanagan will benefit from the addition of approximately 79 new full-time equivalent health providers who will provide better access to primary care. This includes family physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and allied health professionals such as social workers, mental health counsellors, a dietitian and Indigenous health co-ordinators.
In addition, nurse practitioners and allied health professionals will be recruited in support of Indigenous health. For Indigenous people, this will mean more co-ordinated and culturally safe and appropriate primary care support.
The primary care networks are a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Interior Heath, the Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice and the Okanagan Nation Alliance.