Welcome
Primary care is a patient's first contact with the health system. For most people it is their family physician, however people can access primary care in many different ways, Emergency Departments and Public Health to name a few.
Primary Care is the backbone of the health system in Alberta. 80% of all care is delivered at the primary care level. A shortage of clinical staff at the primary care level most notably family physicians and nurses, and a growing population, an aging population, and a significant increase in chronic and complex diseases put a strain on the system.
Our provincial government, via Alberta Health and Wellness, recognized a need to address this issue and they, along with the Alberta Medical Association and the Regional Health Authorities, (Alberta Health Services) created a program in 2003 that focuses specifically on primary care.
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) now exist throughout the province and this initiative is providing the opportunity to deliver primary care service in new ways. Each Network is a joint venture between a local group of family physicians and their specific region within Alberta Health Services so that each can focus specifically on what their area needs. This flexibility is important because the biggest issues in Edmonton West are different than the top priorities in other areas of the province. Each PCN truly provides "local solutions to local problems".
Currently there are 38 PCNs in operation throughout the province with another 5 in the planning phase. Edmonton West went 'live' as a PCN in April 2006.
Here at the Edmonton West Primary Care Network our purpose is for family physicians to work together aided by PCN staff and programs to help build a healthier community. We do this by complementing and supporting the terrific care our physicians already provide to their patients.
We encourage you to look through our site to get a better idea of the work the Edmonton West PCN has undertaken.
