Fraser Health is moving ahead on 10 priority actions to improve patient care in the region, announced Health Minister Terry Lake today, as he released the health authority’s strategic and operational report and concluded the Fraser Health review.
“The plan put forward by the Fraser Health board addresses the issues facing the health authority, from quality concerns to achieving balance between acute care and primary and community care,” said Lake.
The report identifies 10 priority action areas to ensure quality and sustainable service delivery in Fraser Health. They include improving the health authority’s capacity for care by reducing unnecessary use of hospitals; investing in more community care; improving the quality of care delivered in hospitals; building on recent primary care achievements; and delivering a balanced budget.
“We will continue to invest in our acute care system, but we need to ensure the right mix of services in the community, so patients can better manage their health, avoid hospitalization and move more safely and quickly through the hospital system,” said interim board chair Wynne Powell.
A ministry-led sub-committee also looked at how health-care services are delivered and coordinated in the three lower mainland health authorities. It found there are a number of opportunities to improve services such as cardiac care, stroke care, medical research and education, through better coordination across the Lower Mainland.
The review also found the current regional health boundaries in the Lower Mainland effectively serve their respective populations. However, it concluded there may be benefits to re-examining health authority boundaries. Over the next year, the ministry will review the boundaries to ensure they properly reflect the demographics and patient needs. Boundary changes would only be considered after full community engagement and consultation.
