About Us

​Big Country Primary Care Network:

The Big Country Primary Care Network (BC PCN) became operational in April 2008. Since that time the BC PCN has successfully launched a number of programs focused on addressing the needs identified within the BC PCN community:

  •  Increasing the number of Albertans with access to primary care services
  •  Managing access to appropriate round-the-clock primary care services 
  •  Increasing the emphasis on: 
      • Health promotion 
      • Disease and injury prevention 
      • Care of patients with medically complex problems 
      • Care of patients with chronic disease 
  • Improving coordination of primary health services with other health care services including hospitals, long-term care and specialty care services 
  • Fostering a team approach to providing primary health care

BC PCN Vision Statement:

“Your Health.  Your Team.”

 
 

Community Resources:

The Seven Communities all provide hospital and/or long term care within their geographic boundaries, most provide urgent Care, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. Referral patterns are to Red Deer, Calgary or Edmonton dependent on specialism required. The BC PCN provides multidisciplinary teams to enhance and deliver primary care services within the office setting in order to strengthen the integration and linkages of all services. Multidisciplinary teams are involved in Complex Care, Chronic Disease, Public Health, Obstetrics, and Education

Overview:

The BC PCN is located within rural Alberta and comprises of Family Physicians within the communities of Castor, Consort, Coronation, Drumheller, Hanna, Stettler, Three Hills and Trochu. It is estimated that the Physicians within the area provide services to in excess of 36,000 patients. There are 38 physician members of the BC PCN practicing across 9 clinics.   

In addition to providing care in community offices, BC PCN physicians also provide care in long term care facilities, urgent care, obstetrics and others. The PCN works closely with Alberta Health Services, partner organizations and the local Communities.  

Health Environment:

Within Alberta the principal reasons for individuals seeking care from their family physicians are due to hypertension related disorders, neurotic disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety), diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. The four major causes of death and chronic illness are cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease and diabetes all of which have modifiable risk factors such as tobacco usage, diet and physical inactivity. BC PCN programs have a significant emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

Community Resources:

The BC PCN provides multidisciplinary teams to enhance and deliver primary care services within the office setting. Multidisciplinary teams are involved in Complex Care, Chronic Disease, Public Health, Obstetrics, and Education