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Accessing Medical Services

As in other provinces, it is difficult to secure a family doctor in British Columbia. However, some services have been put in place to help you receive assistance

Walk-in Clinics

You can visit a walk-in clinic for your non-emergency medical needs. There are walk-in clinics in most municipal areas. It is recommended that you use the same walk-in clinic each time so that they have your medical history. 

For locations and wait times, visit: www.medimap.ca 

Finding a new physician  

Health Connect Registry

If you are interested in a family doctor or nurse practitioner and live in a participating Primary Care Network community, register for the Health Connect Registry and get matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your community.

 Visit: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-connect-registry

Finding a new dentist 

The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals will help you find registered, licensed dentists as well as certified dental assistants (CDAs). You will need to call individual clinics to see if they will do direct billing to Canada Life. 

Call toll-free in B.C.: 1-888-202-0448 or visit www.oralhealthbc.ca/public-register/ 

HealthLink BC

This service gives you the opportunity to speak with a nurse about your symptoms, consult with a pharmacist about your medication questions, or get good nutritional advice from a dietitian. You can also inquire about publicly funded health services and resources that you might need. 

You can access this service by dialing 811 and it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for non-urgent medical questions. You can also visit their website at: www.healthlinkbc.ca

Deaf and hearing-impaired dial 711. This service is available in 130 languages upon request. 

Island Health

Island Health provides health care on Vancouver Island. This organization will help you find health care providers, facilities, and programs across the region. You will also be able to access the B.C. Health Guide as well as other services. 

Call: 250-270-8699  Toll Free: 1-877-370-8699 

Website: www.islandhealth.ca

Hospitals

For all emergencies, visit the local hospital or dial 911. 

Victoria General Hospital 1 Hospital Way (located in View Royal) 250-727-4212 

Royal Jubilee Hospital 1900 Fort Street (located in Victoria) 250-370-8000 

Saanich Peninsula Hospital 2166 Mt Newton X Rd (located in Central Saanich) 250-544-7676 

Cowichan District Hospital 3045 Gibbins Rd (located in Duncan) 250-737-2030 


Urgent and Primary Care Centres 

Westshore 

582 Goldstream Ave (located in Colwood) 250-519-6919 

James Bay 

547 Michigan St (located in Victoria) Open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week 


Online Doctors 

Babylon by TELUS Health 

A mobile app that allows you to check symptoms, see a B.C. doctor and easily access your clinical records all through your phone. 

TELUS Health MyCare

Maple 

You can connect with doctors online from 7am to 9pm for medical care and treatment, and the Medical Services Plan (MSP) will cover your video visit. 

www.getmaple.ca 

CloudMD 

Offer evening and weekend appointments to B.C. residents. Can connect from desktop computer or Android or iOS device.

www.cloudmd.ca