Member, Kamloops and Lower Thompson Patient Reference Group

We are looking for individuals who are interested in bringing the patient perspective to participate and provide recommendations to the Collaborative Services Committee (CSC). Interior Health and other health authorities, Ministry of Health, Divisions of Family Practice (Physicians and Nurse Practitioners) and First Nation and Indigenous Partners are forming planning tables to assist in the development of Primary Care Networks and the health services delivery models. The participation method will be in the form of a Patient Reference Group/Committee. This group will foster dialogue and communication between the Health Authority and Partners.

Open to: Patient partners from Kamloops and Lower Thompson

Lead Organization or Department

Interior Health, Primary and Community Care Transformation

Aim

The role of the patient partner in this work is to provide the patient lens of delivery of care services, make recommendations and bring voice to ideas, suggestions and concerns in order to improve health care services in the Thompson Region.

Level of Engagement

This opportunity is at the level of collaborate on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will work together with you to formulate solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

Eligibility

• Comfort in telling your stories or experiences and sharing perspectives as this work will involve small groups with various disciplines and backgrounds. • Some familiarity with reading reports, surveys, populations data as this pertains to health planning is ideal but not necessary. • Previous experience working within a Health Care System ideal but not necessary • Access to internet, email and telephone for communication, teleconferences and web based information required. Ability to connect via lap top or PC video preferred. • Connection to Kamloops and surrounding communities • If you have a strong interest in this work but have not yet completed a PVN orientation and Volunteer Agreement, are unsure if your experience is a good fit or feel another format of engagement would work better with your availability, please contact Cathy Almost

Logistics

• Vacancies: 4 • Date and Time: Dates and times to be determined by working groups, one meeting per month or more frequent initially. • Location: Due to COVID-19 meetings will be virtual, web based or teleconference with video capability preferable. • Commitment: seven months to a year (with option to renew)

Reimbursement

Currently, none. If meetings start being in person as per BC Health guidelines: meals will be provided and travel to and from in person meetings, hotel and if required meals. (If not provided as per government requirements listed in Expense Claim Forms provided to volunteers as per Interior Health policy.)

Background

This opportunity has come about as the Ministry of Health, Health Authorities, Divisions of Family Practice (Physicians and Nurse Practitioners) and First Nation and Indigenous Partners seek to improve health care services within BC and in particular within the Thompson Region through Primary Care Networks. Health Planning Teams (reference groups) are being formed to focus on the following initiatives: 1. Identifying gaps in access to health care services 2. Equitable access to care 3. Access to advice virtually and face to face 4. Comprehensive services from birth to end-of-life 5. Clear communication with the public 6. Culturally safe and appropriate care The Primary Care Network (PCN) is a network of family practices (including traditional physician owned family practices, community health centers and health authority primary care clinics) in a defined geography linked with each other and with other primary care services, delivered by the health authority and other community-based organizations. They will increase the attachment to a regular primary care physician or nurse practitioner through interdisciplinary team based care. PCN planning will occur over the next 12-18 months with an objective over the coming years to implement and sustain this model of care. Primary Care Networks Attributes and Governance

Health Care Partner Contact Information

Cathy Almost
Engagement Leader, Patient and Public Engagement | Northern Region
250.615.9932
calmost@bcpsqc.ca