Rural Equity for Primary and Community Care Networks

Through its work on Rural Equity for PCN planning, RCCbc continued developing deep and long-standing relationships with rural health partners at local, regional and provincial levels. The team, led by Dr. Alan Ruddiman and Kim Williams supported rural divisions of family practice as they worked towards building their PCN submissions. Supports allowed for increased physician involvement and greater collaboration and engagement with community and regional partners during planning processes.

The Network of Rural Divisions, superbly co-chaired by Drs. Brenda Huff and Josh Greggain and comprised of the province’s 20 rural Divisions of Family Practice, gathered regularly to share input regarding primary healthcare gaps and opportunities for improvement in rural communities. They shared common challenges and potential solutions in caring for patients during the uncertainty of the pandemic, and in navigating the changing healthcare environment.

Funding for meaningful engagement and partnership development with First Nations communities was, again, effectively used over the past year. Under a joint memorandum of understanding signed in 2019, RCCbc and First Nations Health Authority continued guiding and supporting the ongoing development of rural PCNs to not only include the rural health context, but also the vision and interests of BC First Nations communities and citizens. Support on the integration and collaboration between developing PCNs and First Nations Primary Care Initiatives also continued throughout the year.

On June 29 and 30, 2020, RCCbc held the BC Rural and First Nations Health and Wellness Summit on June 29 and 30, 2020. The event, which was held virtually due to COVID-19, brought together more than 950 people at 57 community tables to imagine and discuss ways to improve rural healthcare in BC. Academics, citizens and community members, health administrators, healthcare providers, linked sector representatives, and policymakers shared perspectives, thoughts, and ideas about how to improve the health system. The event was a direct outcome of the in-person gathering in 2019, which identified a need for greater citizen engagement and involvement. The use of a virtual platform allowed rural citizens and provincial leaders to sit in dialogue together “in community”.

In the coming year, Rural Equity for PCNs will enter its final year of funding. The team will continue developing deep and meaningful relationships with primary healthcare stakeholders at all levels, but particularly at the provincial level, where its perspectives will create the greatest impact. It will also continue providing input into the Team-based Care Advisory Group and advocate for effective and appropriate care, and for assurances that respect and equity are embedded within the delivery of primary healthcare in BC.