This sounds like a lot of work. Where will we get the time to devote to this?

Family Practice Network development will require time from physicians interested in taking a lead role. However, Family Practice Renewal Program staff will provide you with direct and on-the-ground training and support. The time requirement depends on your local physician group and how you decide to move this forward. You may decide to have a planning meeting every month, bi-weekly, weekly. It will depend on what is realistic and what works for your group.

How will patients benefit from all of this?

Family Practice Networks will work with their local regional health authorities to address common health care goals and gaps in local communities, with the goal to contribute to improved population health outcomes. For example, the program may contribute to:

• Better patient access to appropriate care
• Better coordination of services between doctors and the regional health authority and other health care providers
• A more comprehensive range of services
• Increased focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and care for patients with chronic diseases

What are Collaborative Services Committees?

• A Collaborative Services Committees (CSC) is a joint committee representing the Family Practice Network (FPN) and the Regional Health Authority (RHA), whose mandate is to identify and respond to primary health care needs of the community.
• The FPN and the RHA will work collaboratively as CSC Partners to develop solutions to address local gaps in care, calling on additional voices from patients and the community, as appropriate.

Who will be part of the CSC?

• The CSC shall be composed of:
  • Three (3) FPN members, appointed by the FPN Board of Directors, with at least one member being a current member of the Board.
  • Three (3) RHA representatives, appointed by the RHA, with at least one being an Executive with primary care responsibility.
• The CSC may also invite patients, local community representatives, and other stakeholders to participate as ex-officio members, to ensure the CSC is addressing issues that reflect community concerns for primary care.

What is the budget?

The current allocated budget for Family Practice Renewal Program is $4.5 million.

What is a Collaborative Services Committee?

A Collaborative Services Committee, is a joint committee of Family Practice Network physicians and the Regional Health Authorities to collaboratively assess and respond to the needs of the local patient community. Through the Family Practice Network, physicians will have a collective voice in working with the Regional Health Authorities, and the Regional Health Authorities, for the first time, will have a formal means to connect with a large group of community physicians.