Island Health is consolidating some urgent and primary care centres across the Greater Victoria region, and reducing hours over Christmas to reduce the risk of last-minute closures due to staffing challenges.
Island Health said Dec. 24, 25 and 31 are traditionally low in demand and anticipates site reductions will meet the demand, ensuring the public has access to the care they need.
On Dec. 24, the Gorge, James Bay, North Quadra and Westshore urgent and primary care centres will be open regular hours until 8 p.m. The Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt centres will close at 4 p.m.
On Christmas Day, Downtown Victoria, North Quadra, Gorge, and Westshore centres will be open regular hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The James Bay and Esquimalt urgent and primary care centres will be closed all day.
On Dec. 31, the Gorge, James Bay, North Quadra and Westshore centres will be open regular hours until 8 p.m. and the Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt ones will close at 4 p.m.
Anyone in need of urgent primary care services on Dec. 25 should call the Downtown Victoria, Gorge, North Quadra or Westshore centres.
Island Health said additional staff will be working at these sites to assist.
In addition to physicians working at the four urgent and primary care centres, the sites will also be supported with physicians who can provide virtual consults as required.
Anyone in need of immediate emergency medical attention should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an urgent and primary care facility or an emergency department, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free, 24/7 by calling HealthLink BC at 811.
Mackenzie Read
