Primary Care Network
What is a Primary Care Network?
A Primary Care Network within an Ontario Health Team is designed to integrate and support primary care providers within that specific community. Here are some key points:
- Integration and Coordination: PCNs aim to connect primary care providers, such as family physicians and nurse practitioners, to improve the delivery and coordination of care for patients.
- Voice in Decision-Making: They provide a collective voice for primary care providers in OHT decision-making, ensuring that local primary care perspectives are included in planning and implementation.
- Mutual Benefit: Primary care providers contribute their expertise and resources, and in return, they receive support, education, and opportunities that enhance their practice and patient care.
- Support for Clinical Priorities: PCNs focus on urgent clinical priorities like improving access to comprehensive primary care and managing chronic diseases, especially for equity-deserving populations.
- Access to Resources: They support facilitation to clinical and digital supports, improving the overall experience for both patients and primary care providers.
- Health Equity: PCNs adopt a health equity lens, focusing on the needs of underserved and underrepresented communities.
Overall, PCNs are essential for advancing population health through integrated and equitable approaches to care.
How does Couchiching support Primary Care Networks?
The Couchiching Ontario Health Team is proud to have dedicated clinicians in key roles to drive projects forward and ensure informed decision-making at the executive level. These clinicians bring their expertise to various initiatives, enhancing the quality and coordination of care. By actively participating in executive discussions, they provide valuable insights that shape the strategic direction of the OHT, ensuring that patient care remains at the forefront of all decisions.
Meet our Physician Lead!
Meet Dr. Kim McIntosh, our esteemed Primary Care Physician Lead at the Couchiching Ontario Health Team. With over two decades of experience as a comprehensive family physician, Dr. McIntosh has been pivotal in our growth and success. She is highly respected in our community for her dedication and expertise.
Dr. McIntosh has an extensive history of supporting the Couchiching region. She is currently Chief of Staff at OSMH, overseeing the quality of care across various clinical departments, working closely with credentialed staff and hospital leaders.
Dr. McIntosh completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario, attended medical school at McMaster University, and completed the Rural Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Toronto and in Orillia.
We are confident that Dr. McIntosh’s leadership will continue to drive excellence in patient care and collaboration within Couchiching.
