BC Ministry of Health Announces Three Primary Care Networks to Drive Richmond Health System Transformation
The Richmond Primary Care Networks are transforming everyday health care for residents by bringing together family physicians, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals in a coordinated, team-based approach. These networks aim to improve access, enhance patient care, and provide greater support to family doctors across Richmond.
Transforming Primary Care in Richmond
The B.C. Ministry of Health has announced its plan to transform everyday health care for Richmond residents by establishing three Primary Care Networks (PCNs) designed to bring additional health care resources and support to the city.
Up to 70 new health care providers will be recruited to support the transformation, including Family Physicians (FPs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) such as Physiotherapists and Clinical Pharmacists.
“We know that many people living within Richmond have had challenges getting access to the everyday health care they need for themselves and their families,” says Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Creating these Primary Care Networks will allow health care professionals to work together in a team-based environment to help address long-standing gaps in primary care access for people in this community.”
The three networks will be the Richmond West, Richmond City Centre and Richmond East PCNs. Each PCN partners new and existing health care professionals with the health authority and community organizations as part of a networked, team-based approach to providing care.
“This is a time of unprecedented change and opportunity for family medicine, and the Richmond Division of Family Practice is eager to work toward a more accessible and coordinated system of primary care through the development of primary care networks,” says Dr. Rachila Sharma Aucone, Board Chair, Richmond Divisions of Family Practice. “This initiative will provide team-based care to our patients and greater support to family doctors practicing in Richmond.”
Each network will provide a full range of accessible, everyday health services, such as maternity or end-of-life care, to better support patients and providers. Together, these PCNs will see community partners work to attach tens of thousands of patients in Richmond to regular primary care.
Expanding Access with Team-Based Care
“Vancouver Coastal Health is constantly looking at how we can expand and enhance services to better care for clients in need in our communities, when and where they need it,” says Mary Ackenhusen, President and CEO of Vancouver Coastal Health. “These networks will bring together and coordinate health care providers, services, and programs, making it easier for Richmond residents to access care providers, to receive follow-up, and to connect to other services they may need. We are excited to be a part of this new model of care serving our Richmond community.”
The three networks in Richmond were developed to better meet the community’s specific needs. These priority needs include:
- increased attachment for Richmond residents to a regular primary care provider
- enhanced coordination of primary and community services with a focus on improving care for seniors
- enhanced cultural safety and culturally appropriate care for Indigenous and immigrant residents
- increased team-based resources to better meet the needs of people with mild to moderate chronic disease/conditions. These resources include health promotion services that respond to population health needs.
The Richmond Primary Care Networks initiative is a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Richmond Division of Family Practice.
The Ministry of Health will provide approximately $15 million in annual funding to the Richmond region by the third year, as net new positions are added and as patients are attached.
With three new networks—Richmond West, Richmond City Centre, and Richmond East—residents will have improved access to primary care, including maternity, end-of-life, and chronic disease management services. By integrating community partners, cultural safety initiatives, and enhanced resources, the Richmond Primary Care Networks are connecting patients to regular care and supporting providers with team-based services designed to meet the city’s unique health needs.
Learn more about the Richmond Primary Care Networks and how they can benefit you—whether you are a patient seeking a primary care provider, a family doctor or allied health professional looking to join, or a community partner interested in collaboration.
