2002/03 Annual Service Plan Report Ministry of Health Services

Introduction

The 2002/03 fiscal year marks the second year of activity directed to meeting government's goal of creating a patient-centred public health care system that provides accessible, high-quality services, improves health and wellness, and is sustainable over the long term.

Building on the work started in 2001/02 to consolidate health authorities, clarify roles and responsibilities, and establish clear accountability for outcomes, the ministries worked this year to strengthen the current health system, while making it more adaptable to changing needs.

Efforts in the Ministry of Health Services centred on ensuring BC's health care providers received the information, direction and corporate support needed to ensure British Columbians received timely, appropriate and accountable care in their communities and health facilities, within an affordable provincial framework.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health Planning focused on putting in place the building blocks for a responsive, sustainable and well-managed health system by creating the policy, budgetary and legislative frameworks needed to address current and future challenges and enable the health system to move forward on a strong, evidence-based foundation.

The November 2002 release of The picture of health: How we are modernizing British Columbia's health care system provided the public and health care community with a detailed description of the direction BC's health care system will be moving over the coming years. In 2002/03, the Ministry of Health Planning concentrated on working with health care providers, plus diverse health experts and academics, patients and interest groups, and decision-makers at all levels, to determine the best paths to follow to achieve that direction.