Island Heath has adjusted the opening hours for urgent and primary care centres around the capital region over the holidays in an effort to reduce the risk of last-minute closures from staffing issues.
The changes cover Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, which Island Health said are usually times of low demand.
Here are the hours of operation.
• Dec. 24 — The Gorge, James Bay, North Quadra and West Shore centres will be open regular hours until 8 p.m. The Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt centres will close at 4 p.m.
• Dec. 25 — The Downtown Victoria, North Quadra, Gorge, and Westshore UPCCs will be open regular hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The James Bay and Esquimalt centres will be closed all day.
• Dec. 31 — The Gorge, James Bay, North Quadra and West Shore centres will be open regular hours until 8 p.m. The Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt centres will close at 4 p.m.
People needing urgent primary-care services on Dec. 25 should call the Downtown Victoria, Gorge, North Quadra or West Shore centres, where additional staff will be working.
Along with physicians working at those four sites, there will also be physicians available for virtual consults if needed.
“As always, anyone in need of immediate emergency medical attention should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department,” Island Health said. “If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to a [centre] 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.”
