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Primary Care Networks (PCN) Steering Committees Description
Each of Vancouver’s six geographically defined Primary Care Networks (PCNs) is supported by a dedicated Steering Committee. Each Steering Committee provides local governance and direction for its respective PCN, ensuring that planning and decision-making are responsive to the needs of the specific community it serves. The Committees are responsible for guiding the deployment of Ministry-funded health resources within their PCN. This includes shaping service delivery approaches, identifying and prioritizing local care gaps, and advancing time-limited initiatives to improve patient access to quality primary care.
Membership typically includes a Family Physician Convenor, 2-3 additional family physicians, a Nurse Practitioner, and a Patient Partner. A Vancouver Division facilitator provides coordination and backbone support to enable effective committee functioning.
Examples of Steering Committee responsibilities include:
- Endorsing PCN resource allocation and service planning recommendations.
- Providing strategic input on new and evolving Division-led initiatives (e.g., Community-anchored CBT for seniors).
- Serving as ambassadors to providers and community groups in their PCNs and encouraging providers to build cross-clinic relationships to better serve patients.
What will you do in this role?
As a Patient Partner on a Primary Care Network (PCN) Steering Committee, you will help bring the perspectives of patients, families, and caregivers into conversations about planning and improving primary care in Vancouver.
You do not need to be a health care expert. Vancouver Division staff will provide orientation, ongoing support, and clear explanations of materials and processes.
In this role, you will:
- Attend monthly or bi-monthly virtual committee meetings (approximately 1.5 hours), typically held in the evenings and occasionally in the mornings, depending on the committee.
- Review meeting materials in advance, such as agendas, background information, and basic data.
- Share your experiences and perspectives to help inform discussions and decision-making.
- Ask questions, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to committee conversations.
- Provide input on PCN priorities, services, planning activities, and the PCN Service Plan.
- Consider how decisions may affect the broader community while contributing your own lived experience and perspective.
- Participate in respectful, collaborative, and consensus-based discussions with other committee members.
- Maintain the confidentiality of committee materials and discussions.
- Occasionally review materials or provide feedback between meetings.
You are not expected to represent all patients. Rather, you will contribute your own experiences and perspectives to help support more inclusive planning and decision-making.
Vancouver Division staff will support you by coordinating meetings, preparing materials, and providing guidance throughout your term.
This Role May Be a Good Fit for You If You:
- Live in Vancouver and/or receive primary care in Vancouver.
- Have recent experience with primary care as a patient, family member, or caregiver.
- Are interested in improving primary care services and helping shape how care is planned and delivered.
- Value hearing different viewpoints and can share your perspective while considering the experiences of others.
- Enjoy working collaboratively in a respectful group environment that includes family physicians, a nurse practitioner, and other committee members.
- Are able to commit to regular participation and prepare for meetings by reviewing materials in advance.
- Are comfortable using email, Zoom, Teams, or similar virtual meeting platforms.
- Have access to a computer, reliable internet, and private space for participating in virtual meetings.
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and are willing to follow confidentiality requirements for committee work.
- Have work or volunteer experience in health care or community services (helpful but not required).
- Have access to a computer, internet, and a private meeting space
- Work or volunteer experience in health care or community services is helpful but not required.
Additional Role Details
- One-year term (with possible renewal)
- Honorarium: $30/hour for meetings; virtual meeting food voucher provided
- Orientation and onboarding required
- Must sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement
- Selection includes a short follow-up conversation
This Role Is Not:
- A forum for resolving individual care issues or complaints
- A position representing a professional health care discipline or organization
- A clinical advisory role
- A way to receive priority access to a family physician, nurse practitioner, or other health care services
If you are interested in being considered for a Patient Partner role, click here to apply!