Nanaimo will have a second urgent and primary care centre opening in May

Residents of Nanaimo will soon have more access to healthcare services as a second urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) is set to open on May 1st. 

The Central Nanaimo UPCC UPCC will be located at 3260 Norwell Drive and is expected to connect as many as 4,770 people in the region to primary care providers.

This new UPCC will be able to provide same-day access for people who need support for their primary health-care needs who do not require an emergency department within 12 to 24 hours. 

According to the BC government, conditions such as sprains, cuts, high fevers and minor infections are some health issues that will be appropriate for care at the UPCC.

“This new UPCC is great news for people in the vibrant and fast-growing Nanaimo region,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. 

“Access to primary care is so important to maintaining a good quality of life, and this second UPCC will facilitate more than 86,000 patient visits each year and builds on the success of the first Nanaimo UPCC, opened in 2018.”

The Province says this UPCC will include a separate entrance at the side of the building for patients who require discreet, culturally safe access to the clinic. 

Additionally, the ‘Thunderbird Wing’ of the UPCC has two private examination rooms and was developed in consultation with members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Another unique healthcare service that will be available through the new Central Nanaimo UPCC is the Nanaimo Outpatient Stabilization Service. 

This successful service started out as a pilot project in May 2024 and will now be expanding and moving to the new UPCC beginning on opening day, May 1st. 

Through the Nanaimo Outpatient Stabilization Service, patients who do not have a primary-care provider and who have conditions such as a new or suspected cancer diagnosis, or an unstable chronic disease which meets specific criteria can be referred to the program. 

The UPCC will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week for urgent primary-care needs.

Those who require access to the UPCC can book an appointment in advance by calling 1-833-688-8722.