About the CWC PCN

Our Vision

Leaders in the provision of primary care services through collaboration, innovation and teamwork; creating healthy patients and satisfied providers.

Our Mission

To build and sustain a community of patient-centred medical homes.

The Calgary West Central Primary Care Network (CWC PCN) is a non-profit organization committed to a healthier future. We work alongside more than 475 family doctors to provide support for continuous health care.

Doctors who join our network, do so with their patients in mind. As a non-profit, we develop innovative health programs and services that physicians can access for their patients, at no cost. By offering services in communities where patients live and work, physicians and health care teams stay connected to their patients and can provide more care.

Research shows that people who have a relationship with their family doctors are healthier and live longer. They are also less likely to become hospitalized.

We are here to help build on the strength of doctor-patient relationships.

When patients see their physician as the main point of contact in the health care system, they benefit from better health, increased access to resources and health care support.

We call a family doctor's clinic a patient's medical home (or health home) because patients can have all non-urgent health care concerns addressed in one place.

To benefit from the improved health outcomes of the medical home model, patients first need to have a dedicated family doctor. Secondly, they need to see them regularly. And lastly, they need to follow through on recommended courses of treatment and actions (also called self-management).

The CWC PCN supports patient care and medical homes by: educating patients on the value of having a medical home; helping patients find a family physician; researching and developing programs and services for patients; consulting with patients, physicians and health partners; providing in-clinic resources and supports for programs; managing a centralized after-hours clinic, offering ongoing professional development and networking opportunities for physicians; and providing support for their practices.

The CWC PCN officially formed in 2006 to serve Calgarians who live and work in west-central communities (on the north and east sides by the Bow River, on the south side by Anderson Road and to the west by the city limits).

Each PCN develops programs and services that meet the health needs of patients in its area. The ability to maintain a local focus has proven to be effective.

It all started with four doctors who wanted to provide more care for their patients. Through research and analysis into patient health and access to care, the concept of PCNs was born.

PCNs (previously called Primary Care Initiatives in 2003) officially began forming in communities throughout Alberta in 2005.

PCNs are an integral part of the primary care framework set by Alberta Health, the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) and are the most common model of primary health care in the province.

Enhancing the delivery of care by providing a medical home for every Albertan is one of three strategic directions set out by Alberta Health in Alberta's Primary Health Care Strategy.

With over 475 physicians providing comprehensive, community-based primary care to patients in the Calgary west central area, the likelihood that your doctor is a member of our PCN is quite good.