New permanent urgent primary care centre coming to Comox Valley

Good news for our neighbours up island!

Residents of Comox Valley (including those in Cumberland, Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation) will have better access to urgent healthcare services. 

According to a Ministry of Health media release, an official phase one opening of a new urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) is set to strengthen the community’s ability to seek and receive care. 

“People in the Comox Valley and around the province deserve high-quality care without a long drive or a long wait,” said Premier David Eby. 

“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.”

It will be open seven days a week and provide same-day care for people who need immediate support within 12 to 24 hours but do not require an emergency department, such as sprains, cuts, high fevers and minor infections.

If a patient requires laboratory testing beyond simple specimen collection, they’ll be provided with requisitions for lab tests at nearby laboratories. 

The UPCC operates from a temporary location at the Comox Valley Nursing Centre at 615 10th Street, and provides care into the evening hours. 

There are as many as 18 full-time equivalent healthcare providers, and once they move to a permanent facility, the team will more than double. 

“UPCCs 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,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay Comox. 

“Our government continues to deliver results through actions such as this, improving health care for people in the Comox Valley and across the province.”