Camrose Primary Care Network
Year in Review - December 2013

As always, I am pleased to share a short summary of projects, programming and initiatives the Camrose Primary Care Network (PCN) led or collaborated on in 2013. This year - in particular - is special for me as it is my fifth year serving as your PCN Executive Director.

With a continued focus on prevention and chronic disease management 2013 commenced with our annual PCN virtual trek – racing the Iditarod dog sled trail. Thanks to you and our community partners – like the Augustana Fitness Centre - participation increased to well over 500 mushers.

February saw the opening of an additional Camrose PCN clinic. The PCN West End Clinic is now home to both the Camrose PCN Maternal Newborn Clinic and Geriatric Assessment Program. Programming including the prenatal clinic, postnatal clinic, New Mom’s Network, Car Seat Safety Program and Geriatric Assessment Program are all administered from the new clinic and the feedback we have received from our clients has been very positive. I also want to thank our key partners including Public Health and St. Mary’s Hospital for making this initiative truly a collaborative effort.

In September, the PCN also showcased one of our successful chronic disease management programs by hosting Dr. Arya Sharma, Canada’s leading obesity expert for a day of learning for PCN and community providers. Dr. Sharma also spoke to over 150 participants at an evening event at the Bailey Theatre focusing on a light hearted look at the ups and downs of weight loss.

Another programming opportunity that flourished in 2013 was the PCN Cancer Support Workshop series. With a strong partnership in place between the PCN, Wellspring Calgary and CancerBridges we were able to sponsor and host a number of one day workshops with a focus on the needs of patient as well the needs of the family and caregivers.

The PCN’s role in the Camrose and Area Physician Attraction and Retention Committee was an active one in 2013 as we worked together with our community partners to support the recruitment efforts of Dr. Jorgensen in September as well as a number of other physician pre-recruitment visits to Camrose. The highlight of the year was certainly the Skills Day event that took place in November. With 60 medical, nursing and physiotherapy students participating, the committee was able to showcase the best Camrose and Camrose County had to offer.

Finally - In 2013, the PCN took the road to find out what you thought about primary care and how best the PCN can serve the needs of your community. Town Halls sessions were organized for the communities of Bashaw, Daysland and Camrose during the month of April and I was truly overwhelmed with the positive response that we received.

In addition to the community Town Hall events, the PCN completed four community stakeholder sessions during the month of September to further emphasis the importance of partnership and collaboration between the PCN and our community providers.

The PCN was built on the foundation of strong community partnerships and I will continue to advocate for this in the future. I want to thank all of the stakeholders that partnered with the PCN in 2013 and I certainly look forward to continuing to work with you in the New Year. I also want to thank those community stakeholders that requested presentations about the Camrose PCN. I am always happy to speak on behalf of the PCN and the programs and services available.

Lastly the PCN introduced a Primary Care Survey in November – asking the community to share their thoughts on primary care and more importantly patient access, patient experience and patient outcomes. Over 900 individuals responded.

Your input and opinion matter and on behalf of the PCN physicians and healthcare providers, I want to personally thank you for taking the time to complete our survey and investing in your community and your healthcare. Please be assured all the information collected will be summarized and carefully considered in preparation for our upcoming 2014-17 Business Plan submission. As well, all Town Hall summary and primary care survey results are available to the public.

In closing, I want to thank all of the PCN team members (physicians, healthcare providers and administration) for their continued support as well as for being such great PCN champions. It is certainly a privilege to work with each and every one of you.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and prosperous New Year!

Stacey L. Strilchuk, Executive Director, Camrose Primary Care Network