Primary Care Advisory and Liaison Group

The Niagara Region Public Health Primary Care Advisory and Liaison (PCAL) Group is made up of Public Health representatives, family physicians and nurse practitioners.

Representing specific areas of Niagara, the members strive to equitably represent and be inclusive of all primary care practitioners who practise in Niagara's diverse communities.

This group is in place to support improved two-way communication between Niagara Region Public Health and Niagara's primary care sector, including collaboration efforts, resource sharing and knowledge exchange.

Public Health presents to the group on various health topics throughout the year. These presentations strive to support an understanding of our programs and the role of primary care in these areas.

Watch past presentations.

Group objectives

• Increase program awareness: Ensure primary care is aware of the programs and resources available through Public Health to support practice
• Planning and development: Engage Niagara's primary care providers to support program design and delivery tailored to the primary care sector
• Two-way conversation: Improve two-way communications based on a comprehensive understanding of primary care, and of Public Health's operations

Meet the members

Azim Kasmani (Public Health Chair), Medical Officer of Health
Niagara Region Public Health

Matthew Greenway (Primary Care Chair), Family Physician
Montebello Medical Centre
Representing St. Catharines and Thorold

Gillian Ryan, Nurse Practitioner
Beamsville Medical Centre Family Health Team
Representing Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln

David Dec, Family Physician
Portage Medical Group
Representing Welland and Pelham

Shalini Sharma, Family Physician
Fort Erie Group Family Practice
Representing Fort Erie and Port Colborne

Brooke Wagner, Nurse Practitioner
Niagara North Family Health Team
Representing St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sylvia Kaptein, Family Physician
Falls Family Health Organization
Representing Niagara Falls