WHEREAS the current model of health care in British Columbia is no longer sustainable; AND WHEREAS primary care is the key to the sustainability of the health care system: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM members endorse their support for all initiatives which support primary care similar to the initiative known as Care North.
Ministry of Health Services The Ministry of Health Services MoHS clearly recognizes that primary health care is key to the sustainability of our public health system. In May 2007, the MoHS launched the Primary Health Care Charter PHC Charter which identified primary health care challenges facing the province, specified priorities, and established outcome measures to assess changes in service provision and patient health outcomes. The PHC Charter is being used by the MoHS in setting its strategic direction with regional health authorities, and developing its long term integrated strategic plan for B.C.s health care system. The Care North initiative, along with other primary health care initiatives in B.C.s health authorities, use the PHC Charter as a guide in establishing initiatives that align with the strategic direction set out in the PHC Charter. A PHC Charter achievements report for 200809 and re-statement of the provincial strategic direction for 2008-10 is currently under development. The Charter re-statement identifies Divisions of Family Practice and Integrated Health Networks as new service structures that are key to achieving integrated, patient-centred care; these service structures are being implemented in every health authority including under the Care North initiative. The Ministry of Health Services recognizes that sustainability of communities is often linked to sustainability of primary health care. MoHS is working closely with municipal governments, the regional health authorities and the British Columbia Medical Association to create new models and give communities confidence that care will be available when and where they need it.