Ministry Role and Services

The Ministry of Health Services provides leadership, support and funding for British Columbia's health system, and works with B.C.'s health authorities and other system partners to deliver quality, appropriate and timely health services. The ministry primarily acts as steward of the system by setting immediate and long-term direction through strategic planning; developing legislation, policy and standards; and monitoring, evaluating and reporting on system performance and taking corrective action when necessary. Health authorities and other providers (e.g., physicians) directly deliver the vast majority of health services to the public, although the ministry still delivers some services such as the B.C. Ambulance Service and the Vital Statistics Agency.

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

A health system that supports people to stay healthy, and when they are sick provides high quality publicly funded health care services that meet their needs where they live and when they need them.

Mission

To guide and enhance the province's health services to ensure British Columbians are supported in their efforts to maintain and improve their health.

Values

A set of beliefs, consistent with the principles of the Canada Health Act, defines our organizational behaviour:

• Citizen and patient focus which respects the needs and diversity of all British Columbians.
• Equity of access and in the quality of services delivered by government.
• Access for all to quality health services.
• Effectiveness of delivery and treatment leading to appropriate outcomes.
• Efficiency, providing quality, effective, evidence-based services in a cost effective way.
• Appropriateness, providing the right service at the right time in the right place.
• Safety in the delivery of health services to minimize risks to the health and safety of British Columbians.

Core Business Areas for the Ministry of Health Services

The core business areas of the ministry are organized to reflect the different roles in the health system. Accordingly, the ministry has three broad core business areas: Services Delivered by Partners, Services Delivered by Ministry, and Stewardship and Corporate Management.

Details of the key functions and responsibilities of each of these core businesses can be found in Appendix C.