Submission to Select Standing Committee on Health: Health Care Sustainability

Collaboration is the key to success when it comes to bringing about positive change to health care. That’s why BC’s doctors are engaged with government on ground-breaking joint initiatives that are changing the face of health care and improving the quality of patient care. 

In our submission to the BC government’s “Select Standing Committee on Health Care Sustainability”, we give examples of how our collaborative programs target the most vulnerable patients; support recruitment of physicians in rural areas; and help physicians develop grassroots solutions to local health care challenges. These joint initiatives are funded through the Physician Master Agreement as negotiated between Doctors of BC and the provincial government.

In the report, we focus on four key areas as outlined by the Committee: 

1. Rural health care 
2. Primary care through interdisciplinary teams
3. End-of-life care 
4. Addiction recovery 

We hope you will take some time to read the report and cover letter. You will note in the cover letter that we also comment on a proposal by the College of Physician and Surgeons to make Health Authorities the oversight bodies with responsibility for primary care in our province. We feel that this recommendation is of significant concern to physicians and patients, and are disappointed that the College did not consult with Doctors of BC before making its submission to the Committee. 

You can find more information on our collaborative programs on our website under Working for Change.