What is a Primary Care Network?
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are local clinical networks of primary care providers and community partners working together to deliver coordinated, team-based primary care across defined geographic areas in British Columbia. They are part of a province-wide strategy to improve access to timely, comprehensive, and continuous care for people in every community.
At their core, PCNs connect family physicians and nurse practitioners with a broader team of health-care professionals — such as nurses, pharmacists, social workers, midwives, mental health professionals, and Indigenous and community-based providers — so patients benefit from a range of expertise and services in a more integrated way.
PCNs are built on partnerships between local Divisions of Family Practice, regional health authorities, First Nations Health Authority, Indigenous communities, and other community partners. These collaborations help tailor care to the unique health needs of local populations.
Abbotsford PCN: Powering patient-centred, team-based care
The Abbotsford PCN is a collaboration between the Abbotsford Division of Family Practice, Fraser Health (FH), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and Doctors of BC, with the goal of strengthening primary care by supporting patients, providers, and practices through team-based care. The PCN is governed by a Steering Committee, comprising representatives from ADoFP, FH, FNHA, Doctors of BC, Ministry of Children and Family Development, City of Abbotsford and Patient Partners.
Abbotsford’s PCN strategy is anchored on five important objectives: 1) Enhanced primary care access; 2) Increased Services and Supports for Indigenous Health; 3) Support for Chronic Conditions; 4) Expanded Mental Health and Substance Use Services; and 5) Support for Social Determinants of Health.
How it works
Primary care providers (PCPs), including family doctors and nurse practitioners, who have been onboarded to the PCN can access a variety of PCN services for their patients. Available services currently offered at Abbotsford PCN include clinical counsellors, registered dietitians, social workers and clinical pharmacists.
To access these services for their patients, PCPs fax referrals to the PCN central line, where they are processed by the medical office assistant (MOA) for triaging by the appropriate allied health professional (AHP). The patient is then contacted by the AHP assigned to their case to schedule a consultation.
PCN services are delivered to patients through several modality options: in-clinic at their PMH, in-person at a PCN site, virtually via MS Teams, or by telephone.
In Abbotsford, there are three PCNs serving within their geographical boundaries: PCN West, PCN Central and PCN East.
PCN Attributes
PCNs seek to close gaps in the health-care system and provide enhanced patient care in a connected and timely manner. Province-wide, PCN’s are guided by the following attributes:
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Services
Our PCN team is continuing to onboard primary care clinics to be part of the city’s team-based care program. PCN clinics in Abbotsford are divided into three regions: PCN East, PCN Central and PCN West. Several clinics across Abbotsford are already part of the PCN community and whose patients are now benefitting from PCN health services.
Abbotsford is currently offering the following allied health services for primary care:
– Clinical Counsellors
– Social Worker
– Registered Dietitian
– Clinical Pharmacist
Check back regularly as we continue to add new allied health providers and onboard clinics across the city.
If you are a primary care provider in Abbotsford and would like to become part of the Primary Care Network, send us a note through our contact form and we will be in touch soon.
Allied Health Professionals
Allied health professionals (AHPs) play a critical role within Abbotsford’s PCN strategy of enhancing access to primary care; increasing Indigenous health services and supports; greater support for chronic conditions; expanding mental health and substance use services; and supporting social determinants of health.
Meet our Abbotsford AHPs
Hannah Gray
Registered Dietitian
Hannah has experience supporting clients with various acute and chronic conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, eating disorders, and digestive disorders. As part of Abbotsford PCN, she is committed to delivering evidence-based nutritional care to support the health and well-being of the community.
Ashley Brown
Registered Social Worker
Ashley has experience working in acute care settings, as well as working as a substance use clinician for the Substance Use Services Access Team (SUSAT). Advocacy, reducing barriers, and promoting the social determinants of health is of great importance to her practice.
Alex Assumption
Clinical Pharmacist
Alex has worked in a variety of clinical roles in the community that have included leading initiatives for point-of-care testing, collaborating with ACT psychiatric teams, and mobile medication management clinics. Since 2021, he has worked on a variety of acute units, with a clinical focus on chronic disease management.
Imraan Gazdar
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Imraan has over 10 years of experience supporting individuals through counselling in diverse settings, specializing in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief, and abuse using various therapeutic approaches. He takes a holistic view of each client, considering bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural factors, and offers a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.
Jessica Kurucz
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Jessica has over 10 years of experience supporting individuals in various settings, specializing in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, gender issues, relationship stressors, and grief. Jessica strives to create a non-judgmental, anti-oppressive space for clients where they can process the confusing, overwhelming and/or painful parts of their lives.
Mahshad Mohammad Noori
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Mahshad is a psychotherapist with a PhD in Psychology. She has been working on many research projects about Health and Wellness for many years with a strong background in education and supporting individuals, youths, and families The knowledge of Yoga is always an integral part of her practice and personality.
PCN Partners
Beyond primary care clinics and allied health providers, PCNs also partner and collaborate with various community partners that support Abbotsford residents’ health and wellness needs. Below are links to helpful resources and services that are part of the larger primary care network community across the province.
Urgent and Primary Care Centres
Community Health Centres
First Nations Primary Care Centers
Nurse Practitioners Primary Care Clinics
Foundry Centres
News & Features
Keep track of the latest updates from the Abbotsford primary care teams, including upcoming events and latest stories from the frontlines.
Resources
Useful tools and resources for primary care providers, medical office assistance and patients:
HealthLinkBC
Abbotsford Division of Family Practice
Doctors of BC
Fraser Health