Health care isn’t one size fits all. Every person (and community) is unique, and therefore we need to take a needs-based approach to planning teams and an individualized approach to care. That’s why the province introduced Family Care Teams. Family Care Teams offer seamless access to multiple health care professionals that focus on meeting the health and social needs of individuals and families. At a Family Care Team, a team of health professionals, come together to deliver care that meets your individual health and social needs.

Family Care Teams: A Health Policy Framework for NL

Family Care Teams include:

• Family Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Clinical and Social Navigators
• Nurses (Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses)
• Manager and Clinical Director (physician)
• Practice Improvement Leaders/Practice Facilitation Coaches
• Administrative/Clerical Support

Based on needs and available resources, Family Care Teams will also have the following providers:

• Allied Health Professionals (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology)
• Pharmacists
• Social Workers
• Public Health Nurses
• Psychologists
• Community Health Nurses
• Others including Learners

A Family Care Team will have clear pathways to connect and/or integrate with:

• Community-based practices (physicians, allied health, pharmacists, etc.)
• Community para-medicine
• 23 Health Centres
• Indigenous Governments and Organizations

A Family Care Team will have linkages to:

• Academic Institutions
• Social and Health Networks
• Schools, municipalities, community organizations/groups
• Provincial Health Authority programs

Family Care Teams are at various stages of development in many areas across the province. If you do not have a primary care provider now, you can register with Patient Connect today so Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services can assign you to a provider or a Family Care Team when one becomes available in your area. The information collected through Patient Connect is also helping us plan for more Family Care Teams.