It’s all about providing South Delta residents access to a wider range of health services than possible within a doctor’s individual practice.
That’s the idea behind a proposal put forward by the Delta Division of Family Practice, in partnership with Fraser Health, to establish a Primary Care Network (PCN) for Ladner and Tsawwassen. Already in place in other communities across B.C., PCN’s are groups of GP practices that work together, and with other health and care providers and community services, to provide a more extensive range of care services to patients.
Noting PCN’s are designed to integrate a team-based primary care approach that meets the needs of a community through a network of services, Delta Division’s Geri McGrath in a presentation to city council on Monday explained how PCN team members can include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, Indigenous cultural advisors and many more.
Among the benefits is the provision of same day access for urgently needed care through the PCN or a primary care centre. They provide better coordination with diagnostic services, hospital and specialty care, as well as specialized community services, including those with mental health or substance abuse conditions or complex medical conditions and frailty.
Seeking provincial funding, as well as space for a clinic as well as a “health hub” in the area, McGrath said the service can provide primary care services for those not yet attached to a doctor.
Virtual care and some after-hours care are among some of the benefits for attached patients.
Having conducted a survey and community engagement earlier this year to identify health services gaps, the Delta Division’s current strategy for a PCN includes recruiting several family physicians who can be placed within existing clinics as well as within additional space for a hub centre or mobile hub. Recruitment also includes other getting other providers such as a geriatric nurse.
Council agreed to provide a letter of support for provincial funding to develop the PCN service plan.
