The North Shore Primary Care Network (NSPCN) is transforming healthcare for residents of North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Bowen Island by making it easier to access primary care and by improving the system for both patients and healthcare professionals.
This new model, part of a province-wide initiative by the BC Ministry of Health, focuses on team-based care to provide more comprehensive and coordinated health services.
Here’s what this means for you and how it can benefit your family.
What is the North Shore Primary Care Network?
The NSPCN is a local network of healthcare providers working collaboratively to meet the needs of North Shore residents. This team-based approach includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, registered nurses and mental health clinicians. Together, the goal is to ensure patients receive increased access to timely and effective care, so that people can get medical attention when and where they need it. Patients may ask their primary care provider for referrals to any of the listed PCN health providers that they have working in their clinic.
The NSPCN is a partnership between the North Shore Division of Family Practice, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, and local community organizations. This collaborative effort ensures that the healthcare needs of the North Shore population are met in a culturally safe and inclusive manner.
Benefits of team-based care
Team-based care offers numerous advantages.
“Having a team around healthcare can make a significant difference to patient outcomes. For straightforward issues, a doctor can diagnose and treat effectively, but complex conditions often require the time and skills of various healthcare professionals,” says Dr. Dean Brown, co-lead physician for the NSPCN.
This shift from a doctor-centric model to a team-based approach means patients can access a wider range of services without having to navigate the healthcare system on their own.
“Traditionally, you go to your doctor for everything. Now, you might see a mental health professional for substance use issues or a dietitian for diabetes management. This team approach ensures that patients get comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs,” Brown says.
Enhancing efficiency and effectiveness
One of the primary goals of the NSPCN is to create a more efficient healthcare system.
“Our current system is often siloed, meaning information doesn't always follow the patient from one provider to another. In a team-based environment, information flows more smoothly, making the system more efficient and cost effective,” Brown says.
This coordinated care model allows healthcare providers to see more patients. It also reduces the likelihood of patients falling through the cracks, as healthcare professionals within the network can now easily share information and collaborate on patient care.
Improved access to preventive care
Preventive care is a cornerstone of the NSPCN’s mission. By ensuring residents have regular access to healthcare providers, the network aims to reduce the incidence of preventable illnesses and improve long-term health outcomes.
If North Shore residents don’t have a healthcare provider, they can sign up for one on the BC Health Connect Registry. The good news is that waitlist numbers have decreased by half in the last 18 months.
North Shore specific information at your fingertips
NSPCN’s website provides comprehensive resources, including how to find a primary care provider, details on team-based care, health-related events and preventive health tips.
With the introduction of the NSPCN, North Shore residents can look forward to a more integrated, efficient and patient-centered healthcare experience. As the initiative is just getting started, the hope is that services will continue to grow to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Stay up to date with further developments by signing up for the NSPCN quarterly newsletter, Connecting the Dots: Better Health on the North Shore.
