September 15, 2020 | Government is transforming everyday health care for people living from Chilliwack to Boothroyd by establishing three primary care networks, which will strengthen support for health care in the region.
“For too long, people throughout BC have been struggling to access the primary, regular health care they need, when they need them most. Through our primary care strategy, we are transforming our health care system and are making life better for everyone,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “For people in Chilliwack, this means adding more health professionals in the community to provide better access to a seamless patient-centred primary care experience, closer to home.”
The Ministry of Health will provide approximately $11.5 million in annual funding to the Chilliwack and Fraser Health Rural primary care networks once they are fully established.
Over the next four years, across the three primary care networks in the Chilliwack and Fraser Health Rural region, residents will benefit from more than 67 full-time equivalent new health-care providers who will provide better access to primary care. This includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, clinical pharmacists, spiritual wellness advisor, and allied health professionals.
The three networks are North Chilliwack primary care network, South Chilliwack primary care network and Fraser Health Rural primary care network. They will serve people living in Chilliwack, Hope, District of Kent, Harrison Hot Springs and communities in the Fraser Canyon, including 22 First Nation communities.
“This announcement would not be possible without the dedication and effort of Fraser Health, the Chilliwack Division of Family Practice, Indigenous partners, community partners and all those who contributed to the planning of the three primary care networks that cover the communities from Chilliwack to Boothroyd.” added Dix.