December 6, 2021 | People in Esquimalt and neighbouring communities now have access to more comprehensive everyday health care with the opening of the Esquimalt urgent and primary care centre (UPCC).
Its permanent new location is at 890 Esquimalt Rd.
“A new, permanent location for primary care in Esquimalt means that more people will have expanded access to the team-based, comprehensive health care they need,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This is an example of our primary care strategy at work, increasing and improving access to everyday primary health care throughout the province.”
The UPCC will serve two purposes. The first will be providing care for people experiencing non-life-threatening conditions, such as an ankle sprain or a sore throat, who need to see a health-care provider within 12 to 24 hrs, but do not require an emergency department visit. The second purpose will be attaching patients to a regular primary care provider if they do not have one.
"The South Island Division of Family Practice is pleased that an urgent and primary care centre has opened in Esquimalt. We anticipate the new health-care professionals at the Esquimalt UPCC will fill part of the longitudinal primary-care gap in the South Island. As a key resource in advancing our primary care strategy within South Island Division communities; we look forward to working closely with our health authority, the Ministry of Health, local First Nations and patient partners.” – Dr. Vanessa Young, board chair, South Island Division of Family Practice