NLIS 3
September 24, 2003
(Health and Community Services)

 

Minister receives Primary Health Care Framework

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, today received the provincial framework for primary health care, Moving Forward Together: Mobilizing Primary Health Care. The framework outlines the structure for remodeling primary health care in Newfoundland and Labrador through an incremental approach.

"Today is another milestone towards the successful achievement of the goals outlined in Healthier Together, our provincial strategic health plan," said Minister Smith. "The primary health care framework will guide regional proposal development and the establishment of primary health care services throughout the province."

The document was presented, on behalf of the Provincial Primary Health Care Advisory Council, to Minister Smith by Kathy LeGrow, chair of the council.

"The framework represents the consensus of many stakeholder groups throughout the province," said Ms. LeGrow. "Since the appointment of the council last year, we have worked with the department�s Office of Primary Health Care to ensure the framework reflects Healthier Together, the Strategic Social Plan and the Federal/ Provincial/ Territorial framework. We feel this document is inclusive of the consultation feedback received, and as a �living document� provides government with the foundation to move forward."

Through the consultation process interested provider groups were asked to submit letters of intent for the development of primary health care projects. "To date, we have received 25 expressions of interest from across the province, and have selected the initial seven projects which will receive funding for proposal development and implementation; these include the Connaigre Peninsula, Bonne Bay, Grenfell Health Region, Twillingate/New World Island, Labrador East, Bonavista and St. John�s," said Minister Smith.

"The intent of primary health care renewal as indicated in the framework document is to build on existing strengths and capacities of the health and community services system, and to provide a comprehensive continuum of health services to the people of our province," said the minister. "To accomplish this we will look at unique and flexible implementation solutions, and encourage both providers and patients to participate fully in primary health care renewal."

Recent funding, in the amount of $9.7 million, from the federal Primary Health Care Transition Fund will be used to assist with the rollout of the framework. It will cover transition costs associated with planning, implementing and evaluating primary health care projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Primary health care is often the first level of contact people have with the health and community services system. The primary health care system philosophy focuses on an interdisciplinary, team-based approach to planning and decision-making processes for health and community services delivery. It focuses on the health needs of the population by promoting health and well-being and preventing illness and injury.

A copy of Moving Forward Together: Mobilizing Primary Health Care is available at: www.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377

2003 09 24                                       11:55 a.m.


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