A historic agreement between government and B.C.'s doctors has been signed, providing an opportunity for improvement in value to the health system and patient care, announced Health Minister George Abbott today.

"We are very pleased to be working collaboratively with the B.C. Medical Association to support integrated patient-centered care," said Abbott. "This is a pivotal time now, as we launch forward to create a more modernized health-care system, with a new working relationship with physicians."

The new Physician Master Agreement supports government's long-term working relationship with physicians across the province through the BC Medical Association. It recognizes and supports the health authorities' role in the planning and delivery of health services and puts in place a new relationship structure built on transparency, constructive collaboration and mutual respect.

Agreement provisions include:

* A long-term agreement with the BCMA ending in 2012;
* Support for a more formalized, constructive engagement with the BCMA;
* Enhanced health authority involvement in decision-making;
* Improved collaboration and accountability between the parties to support integrated patient-centered care and value for money;
* A strengthened conflict resolution process to appropriately and effectively address disputes; and
* Mechanisms to lessen the likelihood of interruptions in services.

"This agreement assures the doctors of British Columbia a stable practising environment for at least the next five years," said Dr. Geoff Appleton, president of the BC Medical Association. "Looking forward, this means that doctors and government will be working together towards the shared goal of improving patient care."

Patients and communities now have a level of assurance in the continuity of these important services through processes that address problems in a constructive, collaborative way.

The new agreement also builds on government's goals for having a sustainable health-care system with improved ways of providing services including leading-edge health technology through an accountable, efficient and effective health care system that will provide value for all British Columbians.