March 18, 2004

More than 700 people are expected to attend the first-ever major national primary health care conference in Winnipeg May 16 to 19, Health Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.

Commissioner Roy Romanow of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada and broadcaster Rex Murphy are among the confirmed speakers at the forum called "Moving Primary Health Care Forward: Many Successes, More to Do."

"This conference will aid the nation, as distinguished health professionals and experts share their successes and their challenges as we all work together to make needed changes in Canada's health care system," Chomiak said.

Participants, including health care practitioners, policy makers, public representatives, researchers and citizens, can participate in a variety of interactive sessions that include topics on the determinants of health, information management and community perspectives on primary health care.

"Recommendations outlined in the Romanow report are the basis for many creative and innovative ideas about the future of health care in this country," said Chomiak. "This conference will build on the important research and ideas found in the report, and will encourage the examination of our primary health care system and the implementation of changes that will benefit all Canadians."

Primary health care refers to the first level of contact where services are mobilized to promote health, care for common illnesses and manage ongoing health problems. Primary health care often begins with the family physician or community health nurse. It emphasizes health promotion and illness prevention and links patients where necessary to more specialized care such as that provided in hospitals.

Primary health care also extends beyond the traditional health sector and includes all services that play a part in addressing all factors that affect health, such as social services, housing and education.

"Manitoba Health continues to work to provide access to integrated, effective and affordable primary health care," said Chomiak. "By supporting people in staying healthy and providing the right services at the right time by the right care provider, we make more efficient use of our primary health care resources."

Sponsored by the Health Canada Primary Health Care Transition Fund, the conference will take place at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

For more information on the National Primary Health Care Conference, visit http://www.phcconference.ca.

- 30 -

PARTIAL LIST OF SPEAKERS.

Roy Romanow, commissioner, Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada

Ruth Wilson MD, professor of family medicine, Queen's University, chair, Ontario Family Health Network: "Implementing Primary Care Renewal in Ontario: Barriers and Facilitators"

Jennifer Zelmer, vice-president, research and analysis, Canadian Institute for Health Information and Pat Martens, researcher, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy: "Information Management and Primary Health Care"

Terry Tafoya PhD, executive director, Tamanawit, Seattle, Wash.: "Intersectoral Action, Determinants of Health"

Charles Boelen MD, consultant, International Health Systems, France: "Integration Across the Continuum"

John Bibby, North Bradford Primary Care Trust, U.K., and Ghislaine Young, nurse practitioner/partner, Westcliffe Medical Centre, U.K.: "Accountabilities and Primary Health Care: The United Kingdom Experience"

Rex Murphy, journalist, broadcaster and commentator: "Community Perspective/Citizen Participation"

Brian Postl MD, CEO, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Paul Grand'Maison MD, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Que.

Michael Rachlis MD, health policy analysis, Toronto, Ont.

Gil White, family physician, acting executive director, Primary Health Services Branch, Saskatchewan Health

Steven Lewis, health policy and research consultant, Saskatoon, Sask., adjunct professor, University of Calgary