What is a Family Practice Network?

A Family Practice Network, or FPN, provides a mechanism through which a physician group can address common practice and patient needs, have a collective voice on issues facing family practice, and address local population health needs, in coordination with the Regional Health Authority (RHA). The FPN structure is a physician-led, non-profit organization.

What is the Long Range Family Practice Network?

The Long Range FPN was formed earlier this year and represents participating family physicians in Western Newfoundland. The name represents our vision for the FPN, referring to the Long Range Mountains and symbolizing a long-term vision for family practice renewal.

Why should I join the Long Range FPN? What will it do for me?

Through Western area physician consultations, the FPN has identified several priorities to start with, including:

• Improving access to health services for in-need populations, including the elderly, patients with mental health issues, and patients with chronic disease;

• More effective use & integration of eHealth and the increase of information/decision supports to optimize practice and patient management; and
• Increased engagement with Regional Health Authority (RHA) consultants and core regional services to streamline patient consultation and referral needs.

Who can be members of the FPN?

• Membership in FPNs is categorized into voting and non-voting.
• Voting members will be practicing family physicians/general practitioners (GPs) who deliver the majority of their services in the geographic area (this includes locums) and who are licensed and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPSNL).
• Non-voting members can be Medical Residents holding a full or educational license with the CPSNL, or a retired GP.

Can salaried family physicians participate in the FPN?

Yes, salaried family physicians can participate within the FPN, and we encourage participation to facilitate increased collaboration with your physician colleagues and other providers on common needs.

This sounds like a lot of work. How will we do all of this?

Gary Kelly is the Executive Director of the Long Range FPN. He is responsible for all FPN operations and management as well as the implementation of all Long Range FPN priorities. Please contact Gary via email at Gary@LongRangeFPN.com or by calling/texting (709) 660-0100. Alternatively, please contact any of the Long Range FPN Board Members.

How will patients benefit from all this?

The Long Range FPN will work with Western Health to address common health care goals and gaps in our local communities, contributing to improved population health outcomes. It will also provide practice and clinical support to family physicians, which will lead to improved access for patients.

How do I become a member?

Complete a simple application form available here.

Who sits on the Long Range FPN Board of Directors?

Dr. Shanda Slipp (chair)
Dr. Paula Cooper (vice-chair)
Dr. Dave Thomas (treasurer)
Dr. Tim Griffin
Dr. Julie Warren
Dr. Mark Smallwood
Dr. Jim Bowen 
Dr. Wendy Graham

How is the FPN funded?

Funding is provided through an annual operational budget allocation for administrative expenses such as the hiring of a Manager to run the FPN, and for administrative and governance services provided by the physicians who take on a leadership role. Funding is based on membership numbers.