October, 2022
On October 4th, 2022, the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice invited senior leaders of local non-profit organizations who had indicated their interest in Primary Care Network (PCN) Governance to take part in a conversation about Community Partner involvement in PCN Governance. Nine senior leaders from local non-profit organizations attended, and Dr. Nazia Niazi attended on behalf of Surrey and North Delta (SND) Family Physicians and Brynn Fominoff attended on behalf of Fraser Health senior leadership, representing the two fund holders for the SND PCNs.
The workshop started off with small group and large group discussions based on their experience about how to create successful governance bodies. This was followed by a presentation from Tomas Reyes about the developing SND PCN governance structure and the role community leaders have an opportunity to fill in the governance structure to: represent the SND community, identify local health and wellness needs, and to provide their social determinants of health perspective to SND PCN governance conversations and decision making. Finally, a larger group discussion took place where the group shared ideas about next steps and their interest in participating in the governance of SND PCNs.
We would like to extend a big thank-you to Gerard Bremault from the Centre for Child Development, and Azim Dahya from Aspire and the Muslim Food Bank, who have both graciously stepped forward to represent Surrey and North Delta Community Partners at the Surrey-North Delta PCN Overall Steering Committee.
Themes from our conversation on October 4th included:
- the need for clear and regular communication;
- well-defined mission, vision and scope and decision making process for each of the governance bodies – Terms of Reference;
- achievable goals (including year 1!) for each of the governance bodies;
- ensuring there is time to learn from other communities, as well as time to reflect and evaluate (with a balance of data and stories);
- building a dynamic of inclusivity, flexibility and fun for the governing bodies;
Division staff are currently working on the Terms of Reference for the SND PCN governance structure with the inclusion of Community Partners as voting members, and we would be happy to have input from community partners on these terms. We are still looking for community partners to be part of the SND PCN governance structure, and we welcome your involvement with one of the 6 Neighbouring Steering Committees or one of the focused Working Groups. Your perspective as a community service provider in the SND neighbourhoods is valued and vital for the PCN to be successful and responsive for the SND community. If you would like to get involved, or would like more information about the SND PCN, please reach out to Jody Friesen at jody.friesen@snddivision.ca.
We look forward to taking these steps forward together towards an integrated system of healthcare and wellness in our community, with community partners involved in decision making at all levels of the SND PCN.
