For Immediate Release
September 9, 2024
MEDIA RELEASE
BC Greens introduce ‘Dogwood Model’ to transform primary healthcare
Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen)Territory / Victoria, B.C. — In response to the growing healthcare crisis in British Columbia, the BC Green Party is introducing the ‘Dogwood Model’ – a transformative plan to provide every resident with a ‘primary care home,’ ensuring accessible, team-based, longitudinal care.
“British Columbians deserve a public healthcare system that works for them, not against them,” said BC Green Leader, Sonia Furstenau. “With nearly one million people without a family doctor and emergency rooms closing or facing extensive wait times, it’s clear our system is failing. The Dogwood Model is the solution.”
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The ‘Dogwood Model,’ inspired by former federal Health Minister Jane Philpott’s ‘Periwinkle Model,’ will establish a network of Community Health Centres across the province.
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British Columbians will have access to doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and specialists like dietitians and physiotherapists within their community. This model streamlines complicated referrals, ensuring timely, comprehensive care all in one place. Once the system is fully built, people will be seamlessly transferred to a unit in their new location when they move.
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Spaces will be leased and administered by the province, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.
“We spent $30.4 billion on healthcare last year, an extra $784 per person, but who feels they’ve received that value?” said Camille Currie, BC Green Party candidate for Esquimalt-Colwood. “This model will make better use of resources and foster collaborative partnerships.”
The ‘Dogwood Model’ is part of the BC Greens larger vision of addressing healthcare holistically by focusing on both primary care and the social determinants of health. While some doctors may choose to continue their current practices, this model provides more opportunity for doctors and nurse practitioners to operate differently, building on the successful Community Health Centre model.
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Media contact:
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary, BC Green Party
jojo.beattie@greenparty.bc.ca
Phone: +1 250-418-5528
