Patient Advisory Council (volunteer council member, two-year term(s))

Since 2006, the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network (CWC PCN) has helped meet the health needs of the city’s growing and aging population by providing services to more than 475 family physicians and their patients. 

As a not-for-profit Primary Care Network (PCN), the CWC PCN develops innovative health programs and services that physicians can access for their patients at no cost. PCNs are an integral part of health care delivery in Alberta and are the most common model for primary health care delivery. Approximately 80 per cent of primary care physicians in the province are members of a PCN. 

The CWC PCN is committed to collaborating with patients and families to plan and deliver safe, high-quality healthcare services. The Patient Advisory Council (PAC) is a dedicated group of volunteers who bring a richness of diversity with respect to their identity, background, culture, health service-related experiences, skills, and abilities to their role as patient advisors. The purpose of the PAC is to:

• Represent the patient perspective by providing meaningful quality improvement-oriented input on current and future CWC PCN programs and services, including goals and objectives, policies, communications, success indicators, access barriers, and potential service duplication. 
• Where appropriate, identify knowledge gaps in the delivery of current or future programs and services for patients with diverse backgrounds and care needs. 
• Identify and advise on opportunities to incorporate patient and family perspectives in initiatives seeking to better integrate care within the CWC PCN’s geographic boundaries. 

Joining the PAC is your opportunity to make a difference for patients and families throughout our region.

What is a patient advisor?

A patient advisor is someone who wants to help us improve the quality of our care for all patients who interact with the CWC PCN. They share feedback based on their own experiences and perspectives and help us understand how to change for the better. By partnering with us, patient advisors provide important insights into our programs, plans, and projects and help us meet the diverse needs in our community.

Why should you become a patient advisor?

This is your chance to help us improve our care for you, your family, and your community and give patients a voice in the process. The CWC PCN will support you in understanding who we are and the role of PCNs in Alberta and ensure that you are empowered to use this opportunity to grow! 

What is your commitment as an advisor?

You are undertaking a commitment to participate in virtual meetings with PCN personnel and other community members on a quarterly basis. The meetings will be held on weekday evenings and run for up to 90 minutes; additional time may be required to prepare ahead of the meetings. Over time, the frequency of meetings may change, and opportunities to join new projects could arise.

Advisors are required to have access to an ergonomic working station and a quiet, private space to participate in meetings. Advisors must reside in the Calgary area. 

How to apply

Please submit your application via email to pac@cwcpcn.com.

Only submissions with the following documents will be considered:

• Letter of intent stating why you would be a good fit on the Patient Advisory Council and outlining any relevant volunteer or employment experience. 
• Two references

A clear criminal background will also be required to be eligible for this position. 

Our hiring practices ensure that all qualified candidates are considered and decisions are merit-based. We invite applicants of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, ancestry, religious beliefs, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, age, family/marital status, and physical and mental disabilities.

The CWC PCN welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities or those needing an accommodation based on any other protected ground. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request an accommodation, please email careers@cwcpcn.com.