New physicians and graduates of medical school are taught to work in a team environment, but because of a reluctance on the part of some Barrhead-area health care professionals, Rita Lyster says she thinks the community’s ability to attract new physicians is hampered by the lack of a primary care network (PCN) in Barrhead.
PCNs encompass different members of the health care team — physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dieticians, and other medical professionals.
“Barrhead has a lot of complex drug needs, in terms of complex medical conditions and patients could benefit from a PCN pharmacist,” Lyster said, adding that while the work could be done by existing pharmacies, she is interested in knowing why there is not a PCN already in town.
“There has always been reluctance in Barrhead and we still don’t belong to a PCN,” she said. “A lot of places around us do however, including Westlock, and Westlock has been trying to get our town involved in their network for quite some time now.”
Lyster said information sessions and meetings have been scheduled in the past, but not many local physicians have attended.
“I spoke with the executive director of Aspen Primary Care Network, Luke Brimmage, and I’ve tried to drum up support for a network here, but the doctors flat out told me they weren’t interested.”
Lyster said there could be a number of factors hindering progress on this issue, ranging from monetary concerns to questions about the government having access to confidential patient documentation, adding that these are false preconceptions that need to be addressed.
“I believe involvement in a PCN could be a positive thing for our community and these doctors are the holders of the metaphorical keys, with regards to funding being allowed here,” she said.
“If the doctors here would sign up, there would be extra budget money and we could hire more people – PCN pharmacists and the like, but I’m sure they have their reasons for not wanting to,” Lyster said, adding in her opinion, joining an established PCN such as the Westlock-based Aspen PCN would make more sense than Barrhead making its own.
“On the one hand, I feel like we should be approaching our doctors and asking them why they don’t want to be a part of something like this, but on the other hand, I don’t think this is entirely my responsibility,” she said. “In all fairness however, I don’t know why there is this reluctance to being part of something completely voluntary and ultimately beneficial, but the questions need to be asked.”
Lyster said Barrhead doctor Novida Pather is part of the Aspen PCN.
“As far as I know, it makes no difference for Dr. Pather’s own business,” she said, adding the only change is that now the doctor has the advantage of referring people to other health-care professionals within the PCN to help solve some patient issues she cannot handle by herself.
“New grads like having a primary care team because that means there is a support network and the onus is not entirely on their shoulders, and some doctors are probably worried they will lose income,” she said, adding that was not the case.
Being a part of a network like Aspen PCN does not affect the health care professionals financially, and Lyster said in many cases it has actually helped practices grow.
The Barrhead Leader reached out to many of the community’s health care professionals, but as of press time no comments had been received.
