Celebrating 5 years of services to the community of Wood Buffalo

The Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network (WBPCN) has been providing comprehensive primary care and chronic disease management programs and services to the community of Wood Buffalo since September, 2006.             

What is the Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network?

The Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network also known as the PCN is a formal agreement between local family physicians working with extended health care professionals to provide comprehensive primary health care programs and services to the community. The WBPCN, like other Networks, are established within a framework set by Alberta Health and Wellness (AHW), Alberta Medical Association (AMA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) based on overarching provincial objectives.

How does it function?

The PCN is a team based approach to the delivery of primary health care. The interdisciplinary team is comprised of the family physician and other health care professionals like a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, occupational therapist, exercise specialist and mental health coordinator.

Learn more about the provincial primary care initiative

Did you know?

• The PCN clinic site has been operating since September 2006
• 100% of family physicians are formally involved in the PCN and utilize the site as an extension to their office and will refer patients for the coordinated care of complex issues
• The PCN has a central clinic location in the Morrison building

Important Patient Information

1. The WBPCN is moving to Keyano Syncrude Sport and Wellness Center

The WBPCN will move into the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre on the college’s Clearwater Campus in April of 2012.   The clinicians will operate from space that is currently being renovated on the first floor of the Sport & Wellness Centre just across the hallway from Shell Field.

The move to Keyano College is a positive step forward for the organization allowing for new synergies to occur in patient care and health research.

2. NEW PCN no-show fee starting March 14, 2011

The PCN would like to inform patients that as of March 14, 2011 a no-show fee of $20.00 will be charged to those who fail to show up for a scheduled  appointment or education session.

3. Myth of unavailability of local family physicians

There is a myth in Fort McMurray that it is difficult to find a local family physician because they are not accepting new patients. While this was true close to three years ago the situation has changed. With recruitment of physicians to the area there are now 9 physicians accepting new patients. 

 It is important for residents and commuters to attach themselves to a physician.

• Lessens overuse of the Emergency department of a hospital. In Fort McMurray this department is used for health care that can be sought through a family physician;
• Family physicians see individuals for everyday primary care needs of a community like a cold/flu, pre/post-natal care, and chronic disease care;
• In Fort McMurray all physicians are part of the Primary Care Network which means patients are referred to the PCN centralized site to meet their chronic disease needs through a full interdisciplinary health care team.

4. Process for finding family physicians

Individuals re-locating to Fort McMurray can attach themselves to a local family physician. There are a number of ways to find out who is accepting new patients and where they are located. Individuals can either:

• call the PCN at 788-1765
• go to the PCN website www.wbpcn.ca
• call the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre at 791-6161 for a list of physicians accepting new patients

 There are currently 9 physicians who are accepting walk-in patients and their information can be found on the PCN website. Also, some of these physicians have extended hours.

Individuals coming to Fort McMurray to work in camps can also find a family physician even if they have a physician located in another province. Alberta Health Care is free of charge and information can be found for obtaining provincial health insurance by going to the Alberta Health and Wellness website www.health.alberta.ca