What is a Primary Care Network?

A Primary Care Network is a formal arrangement between a group of family doctors and the local health region. Both groups work together to create an efficient system that determines primary care priorities in their community. Each network is unique and has the flexibility to develop programs and to provide services that work for their patients. Other health care professionals such as social workers, dietitians, and nurses may also work closely with family doctors to provide additional primary health services for patients.

What is Primary Care?

Primary Care is the first point of contact people have with the health system in order to receive care for their everyday health needs. Typically, primary care is provided by family physicians, nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, pharmacists, therapists and other health care practitioners. Most often, patients first seek family physicians for their primary care needs. However, health regions also provide a range of important services, including laboratory and X-ray services, home care, immunization programs, hospital care and long-term care.