Posted • Last updated
Closed
Commitment: Long-term
Connection method: Virtual
Open to Vancouver Island Region, Western communities of Vancouver Island
Last updated
Volunteer Opportunity
The Western Communities Primary Care Network Operations Committee is seeking an additional patient partner to be a part of this important work. Join us in building a responsive primary care network in the Western Communities!
Lead Organization/Department
Island Health, Primary & Community Care
Aim
• To improve patient care and access to primary care through overseeing the establishment, implementation and operations of the Western Communities Primary Care Network in accordance with the Ministry of Health approved service plan.
• Patient Partners are valuable members of this committee to help make decisions, review health care models, and determine strategies for the Primary Care Network’s implementation
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
• Open to patient partners from the Western Communities region of Vancouver Island, including Langford/Highlands, View Royal/ Esquimalt, Colwood, Juan De Fuca Coast.
• Preference for patient partners who have experience receiving primary care, or supporting family with their primary care.
• Comfortable having meetings on Zoom.
• Please note:
– This opportunity, as with all Island Health patient engagement opportunities, is not open to Island Health staff members or patient partners who are currently employed by Island Health. If you have questions regarding this, please email patient.experience@islandhealth.ca
– The placement process for this opportunity may include an informal interview between the volunteer and the health care partner.
– Applicants must have previously attended a PVN orientation session and completed the Patient Partner Commitments form. If you have not attended an orientation session but you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Charmaine Niebergall directly to see if accommodations may be possible.
– As required by the October 14, 2021 Public Health Order released by the Provincial Health Officer, proof of vaccination is required to access any in-person meetings at an Island Health site. Proof of vaccination can be provided by way of a Vaccination Passport or Vaccination card, along with government issued photo ID. For patient partnership activities that are virtual only (via Zoom, video conference, phone, etc.), proof of vaccination is not required.
Logistics
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Date/Time: Meetings occur monthly on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 4:00pm-5:30pm
• Location: Virtually using Zoom
• Commitment: Over a year
Reimbursement
No out-of-pocket expenses are anticipated for this engagement opportunity. However, if you meet the eligibility criteria but have concerns about your ability to participate, please contact Charmaine Niebergall cniebergall@bcpsqc.ca to see if support options are available. We are always seeking to better understand and reduce barriers to participation.
Background
The Government of BC’s Primary and Community Care Strategy is focused on improving the everyday health care services that British Columbians rely on. Through interdisciplinary team-based care, the Ministry of Health will fund and recruit more health care professionals into the health system and ensure patients are at the centre of health care delivery.
The strategy includes, where feasible, interdisciplinary team-based family practices and primary care clinics for patients located throughout the province, where physicians and nurse practitioners work alongside other health professionals to provide complete care to patients. These practices and clinics – called patient medical homes – will work as part of a larger geographical Primary Care Network (PCN) – connecting with other clinics, health authority (HA) services (such as pubic health clinics, mental health and substance use services, and community services) to make sure that patients have seamless access to all the care that they need. Interdisciplinary teams may not be co-located, and delivery models may be adapted accordingly.
Governance and management of primary care implementation is structured across local, regional, and provincial levels. The bulk of the work will be performed at the local level.
The Western Communities PCN Operations Committee is accountable to the South Island PCN Steering Committee. While the Western Communities Operations Committee will be responsible for delegated local decision making and implementation of the PCN service plans, the Steering Committee will maintain overall accountability.
