Health Care System Delivery

Primary health care is the foundation of the health care system. It is the first point of contact people have with the health care system. It could be through a doctor, a nurse, another health professional, or perhaps through phone or computer-based services.

Primary health care involves providing services, through teams of health professionals, to individuals, families and communities. It also involves a proactive approach to preventing health problems and ensuring better management and follow-up once a health problem has occurred. These services are publicly funded from general tax revenues without direct charges to the patient.

A patient may be referred for specialized care at a hospital or long-term care facility or in the community. The majority of Canadian hospitals are operated by community boards of trustees, voluntary organizations or municipalities. For the most part, health care services provided in long-term institutions are paid for by the provincial and territorial governments, while room and board are paid for by the individual; in some cases these payments are subsidized by the provincial and territorial governments.

Alternatively, health care services may be provided in the home and/or community. Referrals to home care can be made by doctors, hospitals, community agencies, families and potential residents. These services, such as specialized nursing care, homemaker services and adult day care, are provided to people who are partially or totally incapacitated. Needs are assessed, and services are coordinated to provide continuity of care and comprehensive care.

The provinces and territories also provide coverage to certain groups of people (e.g., seniors, children and social assistance recipients) for health services that are not generally covered under the publicly funded health care system. These supplementary health benefits often include prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, medical equipment and appliances (prostheses, wheelchairs, etc.), independent living and the services of allied health professionals, such as podiatrists and chiropractors. The level of coverage varies across the country. Many Canadians have supplemental private insurance coverage through group plans, which covers the cost of these supplementary services.

Care for people with diabetes improving

The care of people with diabetes is improving, with more people having the key tests and measurements they need to help keep their diabetes under control, says a report carried out on behalf of the Healthcare Commission by the Information Centre for health and social care.

The National Diabetes Audit, published today, is an ongoing audit designed to monitor care and assure consistent quality in services for people with diabetes across the country.

The 2005/2006 audit shows the number of people having all the recommended key tests and measurements is increasing each year, but there is still room for improvement.

The report shows that young people and the elderly are not getting the care they need, which can have serious consequences for the control of their diabetes.

The full National Diabetes Audit, executive summary, abridged report and paediatric report are available on the Information Centre website at http://www.ic.nhs.uk/our-services/improving-patient-care/the-national-clinical-audit-support-programme-ncasp/audit-reports/diabetes.