Partnering to improve primary care in Kamloops

Doctors of BC President Dr Alan Ruddiman and Dr Chip Bantock, chair of Thompson Region Division of Family Practice, joined BC’s Health Minister Terry Lake and representatives from Interior Health to announce an action plan to improve patient access to primary care in Kamloops.
 
Minister Lake said the plan includes the creation of a temporary locum program, two new primary care centres and specialized community care teams for the frail elderly, patients who are medically complex and people with mental health and substance use.
 
The Division will work with Health Match BC on a targeted campaign to recruit family doctors, Nurse Practitioners and nurses to family practices. It is also working on a ‘nurse in practice’ program  that will help existing practices increase capacity to see new patients.
 
Dr Ruddiman said the collaboration of partners is critical to improve patient access to care . He added: “This is an example of the important role that physicians play as community leaders and partners to bring about primary care changes that benefit our patients.”
 
Divisions of Family Practice around the province are working with Health Authorities to develop solutions to primary care challenges that match the unique needs of each community.

For details on the full action plan, click here.