Comox Valley residents will soon have access to health treatment without having to attend an emergency centre.
A temporary urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) opened at the Comox Valley Nursing Centre at 615 10th Street, providing more residents access to family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and mental-health consultants.
Premier David Eby said the centre will be made available for people who need healthcare but don’t require trips to a local emergency room.
“For life’s everyday bumps and bruises, people can get same-day care from a team of doctors and nurses, relieving pressure on local emergency rooms.”
The temporary location will have 18 full-time equivalent healthcare providers and will more than double once a permanent location is established.
Through Island Health, the BC Government is investing over $168,000 to provide upgrades to the Comox Valley Nursing Centre to support the UPCC.
Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard said a UPCC was a need for the Comox Valley and is excited to see the impact it will have on the community.
“UPCC’s have a positive impact on a community’s well-being, and as a member of the Courtenay-Comox community, I am grateful that our government has responded quickly to our need by investing here.”
A permanent location is the next step for the UPCC, and officials are looking for potential locations in the Comox Valley, but no timeline was provided.
The UPCC will be open seven days a week and provide care into the evening hours.
