New Langford urgent primary care centre to open in November

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The province has announced a new urgent primary care centre will open in Langford next month.

The new Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre at 582 Goldstream Avenue will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting on Nov. 5.

Premier John Horgan made the announcement on Friday in Langford. Horgan said launching an urgent primary care centre in the West Shore is important for communities in the area as almost one-in-five residents do not have a family physician.

“People want the security of knowing the consistent health care they need is available in their community, and the West Shore centre will play a critical role in delivering that care,” Horgan said.

“It will connect thousands of West Shore residents with primary health-care teams, and be there for same-day care as an alternative to waiting in an emergency room. Urgent primary care centres are an important part of our plan to deliver better, faster health care for people across the region and around the province.”

According to the province, over time, approximately 5,300 people will be able to see health-care providers for ongoing health needs and people who already have a family physician will be able to access urgent care. The centre aims to accommodate 128 patient visits per day and 40,000 per year.

The urgent primary care centre will have a team of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and other health-care professionals, including a mental health and substance use clinician who will be an integral part of the centre’s care team. The clinician, working collaboratively with the broader care team, will offer same-day services for people living with mild to moderate mental health and/or substance use disorders.

There will be a variety of appointment options for patients at the centre, including one-on-one visits, appointments with multiple providers, telehealth visits and group appointments that support people with similar conditions.

“The centre’s team-based approach will help families on the West Shore gain timely access to day-to-day health care, as a variety of health professionals will be available to provide care and help navigate services,” Minister of Health Adrian Dix, said. “The changes we are making to our public health system will provide people with the care they need to stay healthy, manage their chronic conditions and recover from illness more quickly.”

Annual staffing and operating costs are projected at approximately $4.45 million and capital costs are estimated at $3.44 million. The Capital Regional Hospital District has notionally committed 30 per cent cost-sharing for this project in its 10-year capital plan.

The Westshore Urgent Primary Care Cente is the fourth in the province. A new urgent care centre was announced for Surrey in June and another for Quesnel this month. One opened in Kamloops earlier this year. Another five urgent primary care centres will open around the province by spring 2019.

In addition to the centres, the province plans to fund and recruit 200 family doctors and 200 nurse practitioners for B.C., as well as hire 50 clinical pharmacists.

The Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre will open on Nov. 5, 2018.

The Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre will open on Nov. 5, 2018.

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