A Family Practice Network, or FPN, provides a mechanism through which a physician group can address common practice and patient needs, have a collective voice on issues facing family practice, and address local population health needs, in coordination with the Regional Health Authority (RHA). The FPN structure is a physician‐led, non‐profit organization.
The Rural Eastern FPN is incorporated as of October 23, 2019 and has chosen a name that represents the expansive geographic area it represents: “RE” representing the “Rural Eastern” portion of the province, “Boot” representing the Burin Peninsula, and “RE-Boot” to signify the beginning of improvements and change in family physician practice. RE-Boot will be focusing on Physician Wellness, developing offerings to improve family physician relationships across practices, specific to physician wellness activities and improving work/life balance. In addition, focusing on support for new graduates, including developing and making available supportive structures for new graduates (e.g. orientation information and processes for acute care facilities, services and contracts). Locum programming is another key priority, focusing on pool/program/networks to support related needs. Lastly, RE-Boot will be focused on RHA collaboration working with Eastern Health on solutions to reduce consultant referral wait times across priority consultant services, e.g. for Rheumatology and Neurology patients.
How do I become a member?
A Family Practice Network, or FPN, provides a mechanism through which a physician group can address common practice and patient needs, have a collective voice on issues facing family practice, and address local population health needs, in coordination with the Regional Health Authority (RHA). The FPN structure is a physician-led, non-profit organization.
The RE-Boot FPN was formed fall of 2019 and represents participating family physicians from the Burin & Bonavista Peninsulas, Clarenville & area, Conception Bay North, and Trinity North, Newfoundland. The name represents our vision for the FPN. RE-Boot represents Rural Eastern physicians, history of the Burin Peninsula including reference to the “boot”, and a restart, or “RE-Boot” in family practice. The reference is symbolic to the FPN and provides a mechanism to support and achieve Family practice needs and pursuit of improved patient care.
The RE-Boot FPN will provide family physicians with a structure and supports to address physician and practice issues in our local area. Through area physician consultations, the FPN has identified several priorities to start with, including:
Yes, salaried family physicians can participate within the FPN, and we encourage participation to facilitate increased collaboration with your physician colleagues and other providers on common needs.
An FPN Executive Director will be hired, dedicated to FPN Board operations, management, and implementation of all FPN priorities with FPRP support.
The RE-Boot FPN will work with Eastern Health to address common health care goals and gaps in our local communities, contributing to improved population health outcomes. It will also provide practice and clinical support to family physicians, which will lead to improved access for patients.
Complete a simple application form available here.
Funding is provided through an annual operational budget allocation for administrative expenses such as the hiring of an Executive Director to run the FPN, and for administrative and governance services provided by the physicians who take on a leadership role. Funding is based on membership numbers.
Contact any of the Board Members or by contacting Ian Hodder, Senior Program Consultant with the Family Practice Renewal Program. Ian has been working closely with the RE-Boot Board and can be reached at ihodder@nlma.nl.ca or (709) 726-0118 ext. 324. Alternatively, please contact any of the RE-Boot FPN Board Members.