The provincial Private Physician Network is being decommissioned on September 4, 2026. Clinics currently using the PPN need alternative internet and security services in place before then.
PPN transition and IT support for Central and North Vancouver Island clinics
The Private Physician Network is being decommissioned on September 4, 2026. For clinics currently using the PPN, this means arranging alternative internet, firewall and security services, and IT support before the deadline. ALPHA IT helps medical clinics from Nanaimo to Port Hardy understand what needs to change, what to prioritize, and how to reduce the risk of disruption.
What's happening
What the PPN transition means for your clinic
For clinics currently connected to the PPN, September 4, 2026 marks the deadline for transitioning to alternative internet, firewall, and network monitoring services. Clinics are now responsible for sourcing and funding these services independently. Not every clinic is on the PPN — but for those that are, the question is what exactly needs to be in place, and in what order.
Internet Connectivity
Clinics currently on the PPN must now source their own business-grade ISP. Home or basic internet plans may not be appropriate for reliable clinic operations.
Firewall & Security
Perimeter protection previously managed centrally is now the clinic's responsibility. A properly configured firewall is an important baseline for protecting clinic systems, patient information, and day-to-day operations.
Site-to-Site Connectivity
Some clinics may need site-to-site VPN connectivity to reach EMR systems or other clinical and vendor platforms — not only to link multiple office locations. If your clinic relied on the PPN for this access, an alternative will need to be arranged.
Security Monitoring
Active threat monitoring and incident response previously handled centrally must now be arranged through a qualified IT provider.
Clinic Network Management
After the transition, clinics are responsible for managing and maintaining their own network equipment. Ensuring devices are properly configured and supported will need a clear owner going forward.
Funding Responsibility
Clinics are now responsible for budgeting their own internet and security services. Transition funding may be available — confirm eligibility through Doctors of BC or provincial resources.
Why it matters
What to be aware of during the transition
The transition itself is manageable — the risk is going through it without a clear plan. Here's what clinic owners and office managers should have on their radar.
EMR Connectivity
Your EMR depends on reliable internet and network access. A transition handled without planning can disrupt patient records, booking, and clinical tools — even temporarily. Getting this right early avoids that.
Patient Information Safeguards
Privacy and security obligations continue through and after the transition. Clinics need appropriate safeguards in place — the PPN previously provided some of these centrally, and they'll need to be replaced.
Security Monitoring
Centralized monitoring through the PPN goes away at the deadline. Clinics without a replacement in place are managing their own network exposure without visibility into what's happening on it.
Unplanned Downtime
A planned transition takes a few weeks and causes minimal disruption. An unplanned one — where a clinic realizes they've lost connectivity after the PPN is gone — is a much harder problem to solve quickly.
How we help
How ALPHA IT can help your clinic
ALPHA IT is a local Vancouver Island IT partner connected through the Comox Valley Division of Family Practice, supporting clinics across Central and North Vancouver Island. We handle the technical side so your clinic can stay focused on patient care.
Current-State Check
We document your existing internet, firewall, devices, EMR dependencies, and remote access setup — so we know exactly what needs to change.
Transition Plan
A clear, prioritized action plan with what needs to change before September 4, tailored to your clinic's size and complexity.
Firewall & Security Setup
We configure and deploy a SonicWall or approved equivalent, set up for clinic workflows, user access, and security needs.
EMR & Vendor Coordination
We work alongside your EMR vendor to reduce the risk of disruption to clinical systems during the transition — your team doesn't need to manage that conversation.
Clinic Network Hardening
Wi-Fi segmentation, guest access controls, admin hardening, and device management — your clinic network, done properly.
Ongoing Managed IT + SLA
A service agreement so your clinic always has someone to call. Proactive monitoring, help desk support, and regular check-ins included.
Not sure where to start?
Start with a short intro call. If helpful, ALPHA IT can schedule a free in-person clinic IT audit to review your current setup and provide clear recommendations. The audit can cover internet connectivity, firewall and security, backup, Microsoft 365, support model, remote access, and any PPN transition requirements that apply to your clinic.
Start with a 15-Minute Intro Call
- Understand your current clinic IT setup
- Identify what may need to change
- Discuss whether a free in-person clinic IT audit makes sense
- Audit covers internet, firewall, backup, M365, support, and PPN requirements
Common questions
Questions clinics across Central and North Vancouver Island are asking
Will my EMR still work after the transition?
For most clinics, yes — if the transition is handled with proper planning. Your EMR depends on reliable internet connectivity and secure network access. ALPHA IT works alongside your EMR vendor during the transition to reduce the risk of disruption. A short intro call is a good first step to map out your clinic's specific needs.
Do I actually need a firewall?
For most clinics, yes. The PPN previously provided perimeter protection centrally. Once it's gone, your clinic's network is directly connected to the internet without that layer. A properly configured firewall is a practical baseline for protecting clinical systems, patient information, and day-to-day operations.
Who pays for the new internet and IT services?
Clinics are now responsible for their own internet and security costs. Transition funding may be available — check with Doctors of BC or your Division for eligibility details. ALPHA IT can help you understand what services you'll need and what the realistic ongoing costs look like for your clinic's size.
How long does this take?
Timelines vary depending on your current setup, number of locations, vendors, and equipment needs. Most clinics should plan in weeks, not days, which is why it's worth starting early. Beginning with a short intro call helps us understand your situation before recommending next steps.