Primary Care Access in the kenora region

In Ontario, the term Primary Care Network (PCN) refers to an organized network of primary care providers — family physicians, nurse practitioners, and other allied health professionals — working collaboratively to enhance access to, and coordination of, comprehensive primary care services within a specific region.

Driving univeral access to primary care across ontario

In December 2024, Dr. Jane Philpott was appointed Chair of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Team, with a mandate to ensure that every Ontarian is connected to primary care within the next five years. “This is a strong step forward,” says Dr. Philpott, noting that Ontario has, for the first time, committed to a universal attachment plan for primary care.

“The province has made its vision clear — this is an intentional mandate to get the job done.”

She plans to accomplish this ambitious mandate by bringing a new geographic model of primary care to the forefront of provincial health planning. She envisions a transformative solution to the challenges of primary care access across Ontario.

Dr. Philpott’s vision for this transformation of primary care is both ambitious and inspiring. “When I imagine what this [100% attachment to primary care] will be like across the province, it’s a dream come true,” she says. “You’ll move to a new city and immediately be assigned a Health Home, just as children are assigned to public schools.”

With strong political will, a clear plan, and proven local successes, Dr. Philpott believes Ontario is on the brink of transformative change.

For Ontarians, this means a future where primary care is accessible, holistic, and community-centred — a future built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to better health outcomes.

Looking ahead: A new era for primary care in Ontario

Dr. Philpott’s vision for this transformation of primary care is both ambitious and inspiring.

“When I imagine what this [100% attachment to primary care] will be like across the province, it’s a dream come true,” she says. “You’ll move to a new city and immediately be assigned a Health Home, just as children are assigned to public schools.”

With strong political will, a clear plan, and proven local successes, Dr. Philpott believes Ontario is on the brink of transformative change.

PCN Priorities

1. Integrated with Ontario Health Teams (OHTs)
PCNs operate within the framework of Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) to enable seamless and patient-centered care. Each OHT includes a group of primary care providers organized as a PCN to support decision-making and service planning.

2. Team-Based, Collaborative Approach
PCNs are dedicated to delivering team-based care, drawing on family physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, etc., who work together to provide comprehensive, patient-focused care that’s more accessible and ongoing.

3. Focused on Access, Attachment, and Connection
The overarching goal is to attach all Ontarians to a continuous primary care provider or team, improving timely access, care coordination, and cultural responsiveness. Digital tools (like Health 811 and Health Care Connect), performance tracking, and equitable service delivery are key components.

Universal Attachment by 2029

Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan (Jan 2025) commits to attaching 100% of residents to a primary care provider or team by 2029. This includes developing 305 new primary care teams across the province.

Local Program Development

Individual PCNs can design and implement initiatives tailored to local health needs. For example, in the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville region, the PCN develops community-specific programs such as connecting residents to mental health and primary care services.