
24/7 health advice: Health811 or call 8-1-1 | 24/7 caregiver support: Ontario Caregiver Organization or call 1-833-416-2273

Primary Care Network
Background
Primary care is the foundation of the health system and the first point
of contact for most individuals and families. In Algoma, like many regions
across Ontario, primary care providers face increasing demand, workforce
pressures, and evolving patient needs. The PCN was established in 2024 to create
a structured forum for collaboration among primary care leaders to advance shared solutions
that address local challenges. Through this collective leadership model, the PCN is helping
shape a more connected and responsive primary care system.
Key Objectives
The PCN focuses on measurable, system-level improvements that supports both patients and providers.
Key objectives include:
-
Improving patient attachment and reducing the number of individuals without access to a primary care provider.
-
Enhancing care coordination across primary care, acute care, community services, and specialty providers.
-
Supporting team-based models of care, including interprofessional collaboration.
-
Strengthening data collection and reporting to inform planning and continuous quality improvement.
-
Advancing health equity, particularly for rural, remote, and underserved populations.
Accomplishments and Progress
The PCN has made meaningful progress in strengthening regional collaboration and advancing key initatives. Recent accomplishments include:
-
Advancement in patient attachment initiatives, including structured regional approaches, which has resulted in thousands of patients in Algoma finding a new primary care provider.
-
Development and support for innovative models such as an RN Concierge and Supported Attachment Team, both created to help patients navigate finding a primary care provider and ensuring a smooth transition.
-
Funding supports for providers such as AI scribes to help reduce administrative burden and increase provders capacity to see patients.
Primary Care Network Members
Primary Objective
The AOHT Primary Care Network (PCN) brings together primary care providers across the Algoma region to strengthen access, coordination, and quality of care for our communities. Grounded in collaboration and data-informed planning, the PCN works to ensure that residents experience timely, equitable, and integrated primary care close to home.


Chair: Dr. Jodie Stewart
Group Health Centre
Dr. Alan McLean
Sault Community Health Centre
Dominic Noel
Algoma Nurse Practitioner Lead Clinic
Dr. Stacy Tkachyk
Superior Family Health Team
Dr. Amy Vine
Huron Shores Family Health Team
Julie Hunter
Wawa Family Health Team
Mandy Laroche
Northern Neighbors Nurse Practitioner Lead Clinic
Tracey Buffone
North Channel Nurse Practitioner Lead Clinic
Matt Solomon
Sault Area Hospital (Emergency Department)