Health and Community Services
October 27, 2015

Enhancing Health Care Service Delivery

Minister Announces First Initiatives Under New Framework for Primary Health Care Reform

The Provincial Government today released a new framework for primary health care reform in the province, and outlined initial steps to mark its implementation and progress to date.

"In order to ensure individuals, their families and communities are supported and empowered to achieve optimal health and well-being within a more effective, sustainable system, we must reform primary health care. This new framework, made possible through the leadership of Premier Davis, represents our vision for a healthier population, and I am proud to say that it will help us enhance how our frontline health care services are delivered in a positive way, for today and for tomorrow."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Primary health care is often a person's first point of contact with the health care system, encompassing a range of community-based services such as pharmacy, family practice, and nursing. Healthy People, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities: A Primary Health Care Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador establishes clear goals and objectives to guide primary health care reform in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The new framework and associated initiatives support the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association's vision for a better primary health care system. The framework is complementary to the primary health care renewal program negotiated within our recent agreement, which supports expanded access, reduced wait times and enhanced services. We look forward to working with Government and other stakeholders to begin the next step of turning this vision into action."
- Dr. Jonathan Greenland, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association

To mark first steps under the new framework, the Provincial Government has announced the establishment of the Downtown Health Care Collaborative and resources to support its implementation. The Collaborative consists of representatives from the Department of Health and Community Services, Eastern Health, Memorial University and various community organizations and will greatly enhance access to primary health care services and supports in the downtown St. John's area, particularly for at-risk groups including those living with mental illness and addiction.

"Registered nurses and nurse practitioners know that a strong and sustainable health care system requires investments in primary health care. We must embrace a renewed focus on health promotion, public health, and illness prevention. Supporting community-based interdisciplinary teams will continue to enable nurses to work to their full scope of practice and better meet the health and wellness needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."
- Lynn Power, Executive Director, Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

Two family physicians, a street outreach nurse and an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system will ensure vulnerable individuals in the downtown area receive basic necessary medical services, as well as social supports from community partners and the benefit of personal medical records.

"Enhancing access to both health and social services is the key to successful primary health care reform, and beginning with increased supports for the most vulnerable in our society is a good first step. Social workers have a vital role to play in primary health care reform and we will continue to work with the Provincial Government for a healthier Newfoundland and Labrador."
- Lisa Crockwell, Executive Director & Registrar, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers

Additional details on the new framework are available at www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has released Healthy People, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities: A Primary Health Care Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador, and outlined initial steps to mark its implementation and progress to date.
• The framework outlines positive short and long-term enhancements to the way health care services - such as family practice, pharmacy, social support, nursing occupational therapy, counselling and others - will be delivered in the province.
• To mark first steps under the new framework, the Provincial Government has announced the establishment of the Downtown Health Care Collaborative to enhance access to primary health care services and supports for at-risk groups in the downtown St. John's area, including those living with mental illness and addiction.
• The framework can be viewed at www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/.

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Jonathan Carpenter Director of Communications and Public Affairs Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association 709-726-7424 (303), 691-0928 jcarpenter@nlma.ca
Jennifer Barry Communications Officer Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador 709-753-6198, 730-3436 jbarry@arnnl.ca	Lisa Crockwell Executive Director Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers 709-753-0200 lcrockwell@nlasw.ca

2015 10 27                              2:50 p.m.