September 15, 2020 | Government is transforming everyday health care for people living in Vancouver by establishing six primary care networks, including supports for First Nations and Indigenous primary care through team-based primary care providers to strengthen support to the region.
“As part of our government’s primary care strategy, we’re transforming the way people throughout the province access health care to improve the end to end patient experience. Primary care networks deliver team-based health care, giving people a better and more seamless patient-centred experience that is responsive to the unique needs of each community,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “These primary care networks in Vancouver will further support residents in getting access to the comprehensive care they need and deserve.”
The Ministry of Health will provide approximately $36 million in annual funding to the primary care networks, once they are fully operational.
Over the next four years, residents of Vancouver will benefit from 197 full-time equivalent (FTE) health providers and administrative staff who will provide better access to quality primary health care. This includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists and allied health professionals such as social workers, physiotherapists, mental health counsellors, dieticians and cultural support workers.
The networks, which include supports for First Nations and Indigenous primary care, will also ensure Indigenous peoples receive holistic primary care at clinics, both on and off reserve. The clinics will provide both western and traditional medicines in a culturally safe environment.
The primary care networks are a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, the Vancouver Division of Family Practice and First Nations communities. The planning and implementation of the primary care networks were also supported by the First Nations Health Authority.