Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are the result of a Primary Care Initiative (PCI) Agreement signed in 2003 by Alberta Health and Wellness, the Alberta Medical Association, and Alberta’s Regional Health Authorities.

In the agreement, these three parties outline a provincial approach to improving the way primary care is delivered. They propose to do this by building on the strengths that already exist in Alberta’s world-class health care system.

Primary Care Networks will work toward objectives set out for the Provincial Primary Care Initiative:

1. Increase proportion of Albertans with ready access to primary care.
2. Provide coordinated 24 hour, 7-day-per-week management of access to appropriate primary care services.
3. Increase emphasis on health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and the care of patients with chronic illness.
4. Improve coordination and integration with other health care services.
5. Facilitate greater use of multi-disciplinary teams to provide comprehensive primary care.