Urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) services in the Capital Region are being consolidated over Christmas and on New Year’s Eve to reduce the risk of sudden closures due to staffing challenges.
On Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, the downtown Victoria and Esquimalt urgent and primary care centres will close at 4 p.m., and the Gorge, James Bay, North Quadra and Westshore UPCCs will be open until 8 p.m.
On Dec. 25, the James Bay and Esquimalt locations will be closed, and the downtown Victoria, North Quadra, Gorge, and Westshore UPCCs will be open regular hours until 8 p.m.
Island Health believes these sites will meet the demand during the holidays because of the traditionally low demand on these three days.
Additional staff will be working at the downtown Victoria, Gorge, North Quadra and Westshore UPCCs on Dec. 25, so anyone requiring urgent primary care services should call these sites. Physicians will also be able to provide virtual consults as needed at these locations.
Those needing immediate emergency medical attention should call 911 or visit an emergency department.
Confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is also available by calling HealthLink BC at 811.
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