Esquimalt urgent and primary care centre opens at permanent location
Esquimalt's urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) opened at its new permanent location on Monday morning, a move that will increase accessibility and operating hours, according to the province.
The UPCC is now located at 890 Esquimalt Rd. and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
In June, the UPCC opened at a temporary location at the Esquimalt Health Unit at 530 Fraser St. Now, more patients will be able to use the UPCC at its permanent location on Esquimalt Road, which only recently finished construction.
"This is great news for people living in Esquimalt, whose health will be positively impacted from the expanded services and extended hours at the new home for our UPCC," said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin in a statement Monday.
UPCCs are intended to treat patients who require care within 12 to 24 hours for injuries like sprains and minor burns or cuts, or for conditions like ear infections or urinary problems that don't require an emergency department.
The urgent and primary care centres will also work to attach residents with family doctors or a nurse practitioner if they do not already have one, once it is fully staffed.
The Esquimalt Primary and Urgent Care Centre is shown: Dec. 6, 2021 (CTV News)
The province says there are approximately 11 full time health-care providers at the UPCC, with plans to add a dozen more staff members, including family physicians, registered nurses, social workers, and mental health and substance use counsellors.
"Not only will residents be able to get timely treatment at the clinic, but now, those who do not have a regular primary care provider can get help securing one," said Dean.
A shortage of family doctors has long plagued British Columbia.
Health care providers say they hope the permanent UPCC space will help fill in gaps for longitudinal primary ace in the South Island.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.