Thursday December 21, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends | See other HOLIDAY HOURS (OFFICE & RETAIL)
Island Health urgent and primary care services in the Greater Victoria area are being consolidated on Christmas Day to reduce the risk of last-minute closures due to limited staffing challenges.
Island Health says that “considering traditionally low demand” at UPCC’s on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, that their organization of staffing for UPCCs around the capital region will be sufficient for “ensuring the public has access to the care they need”.
- Dec 24: the Gorge, North Quadra and Westshore UPCCS will be open regular hours to 8 pm.
- Dec 25: the Downtown Victoria, North Quadra, Gorge and Westshore UPCCs will be open regular hours 8 am to 8 pm. The James Bay and Esquimalt UPCCs will be closed all day.
- Dec 31: The Gorge, James Bay, North Quadra and Westshore UPCCs will be open regular hours to 8 pm. Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt UPCCs will close at 4 pm.
Additional staff:
Additional staff will be working at these sites to assist. In addition to physicians working at the four UPCCs, the sites will also be supported with physicians who can provide virtual consults as required.
As always, anyone in need of immediate emergency medical attention should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
811 line available 24/7:
Island Health said in their news release today that if a person is unsure that they are experiencing a medical situation that requires a visit to a UPCC or emergency department, that confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free 24/7 by calling HealthLinkBC at 811.
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