Local physicians working with patients in the Tri-Cities and New Westminster are looking for members of the public to assist in identifying best practices for patient care in the region.
The Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice is launching a Community and Patient Advisory Committee (PAC).
"We are excited to launch this new committee and look forward to working closely with our community members to ensure that we are providing the best possible care for our patients," said Dr. Jennifer Yun, co-chair of the Fraser Northwest Division.
According to a press release, the volunteer-based committee will act as a resource to advise the Fraser Northwest Collaborative Services Committee (CSC) and Fraser Northwest Primary Care Network (PCN) on matters related to patient care and advocacy.
The PAC will be co-chaired by a community member and a local family doctor, and will consist of approximately 10 to 12 people who represent patient populations in the community.
Membership will be as diverse as possible to “maximize representation from different patient populations and those who experience health inequities due to the social determinants of health,“ the press release states.
The PAC’s primary responsibilities will be to:
- provide patients' perspectives and advice on matters identified by the groups
- act as a catalyst for change
- advocate for collaborative patient-centred care as an important strategy in addressing emergent health care issues
"The community and patient advisory committee is an important step in ensuring that our healthcare system is patient-centred," said Dr. Gina Zheng, co-chair of Fraser Northwest Division Board of Directors.
"We believe that by including diverse, autonomous and authentic voices of patients and agencies supporting patients in the Fraser Northwest, we will be able to better meet the needs of our community."
Appointment terms will be two years with two renewals, up to a maximum of three terms.
Meetings will be held hybrid four times per year and additional meetings will be called as needed at the discretion of the chair(s).
Meeting times and location will accommodate members who have disability/mobility limitations.
The PAC will also recognize excellence in patient involvement through awards and other forms of recognition, help to define and share good practices for patient and community engagement, and assist with evaluation of activities and impact.
The Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice is one of 35 divisions in British Columbia that make up the BC Divisions of Family Practice, an initiative of the General Practice Services Committee, a partnership between the Province of B.C. and Doctors of B.C.
Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice currently has more than 450 members that provide primary care services in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, Belcarra and New Westminster.
To learn more and apply online, visit this website.
