Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are community-based clinical networks that bring together family doctors, allied health professionals, nurses, and other healthcare providers to deliver team-based care. The goal of PCNs is to improve access to comprehensive, coordinated primary care in your community.
Sea to Sky PCN Strategy & Implementation
The Sea to Sky PCNs aim to improve primary care access for Squamish and Whistler residents through a collaborative, team-based care approach. Established in October 2024, the PCNs operate under a "Quad" leadership structure, involving the Division of Family Practice, Health Authority, Ministry of Health, and two Indigenous nations (Lil'wat and Squamish).
Strategy 1: Improving Access to Primary Care
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To increase patient attachment, the PCNs will add 3.5 FTE Family Physicians and 6.0 FTE Nurse Practitioners, with the goal of attaching 2,350 patients to FPs and 4,800 to NPs.
Strategy 2: Expanding Team-Based Care
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This strategy integrates 13 Allied Health Professionals, 1 Clinical Pharmacist, and 4.5 FTE Registered Nurses (RNs) through the Nurse in Practice Program. The program enhances team-based care by allowing RNs to work to their full scope of practice, helping manage larger patient panels and improving care coordination.
Division members can log-in here for PCN referral information
Sea to Sky PCN Initiatives
Below are the key initiatives currently underway across the Sea to Sky PCNs to support coordinated care and strengthen services for our community.
Governance
Over the 2024-25 year, the Sea to Sky Primary Care Network (PCN) focused on strengthening its foundational governance structures and preparing for the implementation of clinical resources. Following the hiring of the PCN Manager and establishment of the quad-leadership governance model with representation from FP’s, NP’s, Ministry of Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, DoBC, Mountain Maternity, the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice, and local Indigenous partners, the PCN continued to plan across its Steering Committee to help with Implementation.
PCN Administration
The Division hired a PCN manager and a new attachment coordinator in 2024-2025 to support with the administration of the PCN implementation. The Sea to Sky PCN has made meaningful progress in engagement, communication, and planning to support the introduction of new allied health and clinical roles across the region. In addition to the PCN work, there were numerous NP and NTP contracts that were added to the community by Vancouver Coastal Health. Looking ahead to 2025, the PCN will focus on implementing its approved resources, finalizing service delivery models, and aligning supports to meet local community needs in the Sea to Sky corridor. Through collaboration with physicians, community partners, and Indigenous leaders, the Sea to Sky PCN remains committed to building an equitable, sustainable, and community-driven primary care system.
Patient Attachment & Health Connect Registry
The Health Connect Registry (HCR) was established in the Sea to Sky Corridor to connect community residents with local Family Physicians (FPs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). The registry matches patients based on their personal information, care complexity, and accessibility needs, helping FPs and NPs meet their attachment targets and maintain balanced patient panels aligned with their preferences.
A key focus in the first year was raising public awareness of the Health Connect Registry. This was achieved through building strong partnerships with multiple local community organizations within the Sea to Sky corridor. Outreach work was also done within local communities to help raise awareness. Through these efforts, we were able to attach 1072 patients to local providers in Squamish and Whistler.
Looking ahead, the Division will continue to expand public awareness and education around the Health Connect Registry through ongoing community outreach and engagement. The Division also remains committed to supporting providers and clinics by offering education on the Health Connect Registry and the Provincial Attachment System, ensuring members remain informed and engaged in this important initiative.
Patients Attached
Patients Registered on HCR
Partners
The Sea to Sky PCN is a collaborative, quad-leadership initiative guided by the PCN Steering Committee, which brings together representatives from Vancouver Coastal Health, the Ministry of Health, the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice, Squamish Nation, Lil’wat Nation, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, and patient & family community members to plan and coordinate care services across Squamish and Whistler.
