Primary Care Network
About Us & Our LegacyAbout Us
The Greater Hamilton Health Network Primary Care Network (PCN) is your one-stop shop for primary care, connecting care in Hamilton, Haldimand and Niagara Northwest.
Our PCN aims to improve the delivery and coordination of care for patients by connecting and supporting primary care providers and the primary care community so that we may thrive together within our local Ontario Health, the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN). You can learn more about the GHHN here.
Our PCN is a collection of primary care providers, workers, and organizations that provide structure to primary care within the GHHN to ensure the voices of all primary care providers and workers in Hamilton, Haldimand, and Niagara Northwest are not only heard, but reflected in the work and priorities of the GHHN.
Our Legacy
From Hamilton Family Medicine (HFAM) to Primary Care Network (PCN)
The GHHN PCN evolved from Hamilton Family Medicine (HFAM), the original one-stop shop for all things primary care in the greater Hamilton area. HFAM’s goal was to help ensure primary care providers have the best and most up-to-date information needed in order to provide the best possible care to our patients. As the Greater Hamilton Health Network expanded to include Haldimand and Niagara Northwest, HFAM grew and evolved into the PCN, which we know now includes our entire expanded catchment area. The PCN would like to recognize everyone who contributed to the development of and participated tirelessly in HFAM, particularly the HFAM website, which was built and maintained by passionate members of our primary care community – largely in their ‘free time’!
Primary Care Network (PCN) Functions
In alignment with Ontario Health, the GHHN Primary Care Network has 5 functions:
Amplify the primary care ‘voice’ and strengthen its influence with healthy system planning, including within the GHHN.
Understand the needs and priorities of our patient populations and the local primary care sector.
Support local and provincial priorities in primary health and community care planning.
Optimize resources equitably and guide new investments in primary care.
Enhance the primary care practice environment.
You can learn more about Ontario Health’s vision for PCNs here.
Guiding Principles
To underpin the PCN’s functions, it adheres to four foundational guiding principles that inform the structure, strategy and operations of the PCN:
Testimonials
“As a PCN Patient Advisor I am proud to say that collaboration is at the heart of our work. Our PCN team works side by side with health care professionals, organization leaders and patient advisors to co-design and to co-create a person centered equitable care for community members.”
“From pathways to treatment options, to connecting with colleagues and asking questions, the PCN was incredibly helpful. I was even able to procure pulse oximeters for my patients for home care. In one instance, thanks to a suggestion from a colleague during a Townhall when I posed my challenge in the chat, I was
able to send paramedics to my palliative patient’s home for Fragmin injections as he was not able to come into the clinic.”
“This is how I, as a primary care nurse practitioner, am able to gain a better understanding of our healthcare which, in turn, helps me better help my patients as they navigate their way… If you are on the fence about joining I suggest you give it a try. Join, if for no other reason than because you can. You’re giving your profession a seat at the table when you join and that matters.”
Ready to Join?
Joining the GHHN Primcary Care Network is easy with just 1 step!