The B.C. government has announced that a new Community Health Centre (CHC) will be opening for families on the West Shore in spring 2022.
The new centre will offer people and families living in Colwood, Langford, Highlands and Metchosin more access to everyday primary healthcare services and social supports once it officially opens at 324 Goldstream Avenue in Colwood.
The new CHC will be a community-governed, not-for-profit organization with services tailored to meet the health needs of the community.
The new centre will offer 16 exam rooms and six virtual care stations and support areas, according to the government.
“We’ve listened to people in the Western Communities and are using our primary care strategy to build on the good work community organizations are already doing in the region,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The Westshore Community Health Centre will play a vital role to help connect residents who have been struggling to access a family doctor with the health care they need when they need it, closer to home.”
The government says that a team of healthcare providers, including family doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, community health workers and an Elder in Residence will offer primary care and health promotion services that are culturally safe and comprehensive to patients attached to the CHC.
These services will be focused on people with mental health conditions, substance-use disorders and multiple chronic health conditions, and for seniors, Indigenous Peoples and gender-diverse people.
“People, especially in the Western Communities, need better access to consistent health care in the community, and the Westshore CHC will help do just that,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin and Minister of Children and Family Development. “At the centre, health-care providers will work together to provide comprehensive and patient-centred services to patients, so they can live their healthiest lives.”
When complete, the centre will begin by opening Mondays to Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The government adds that it will be providing approximately $4 million in operating budget once the centre reaches full capacity.
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