Island Health has officially announced that they will be changing the way urgent and primary care centres (UPCCs) triage patients seeking medical attention.
According to Island Health, UPCCs in the south island region will now be triaging patients based on their needs, where before, they would be seen on a first-come first-served basis.
Those seeking medical attention from a UPCC will have to call a dispatch centre using the phone number 1-833-688-8722 to book an appointment.
After calling the Island Health number, people seeking appointments will then be called back by a registered nurse, who will assess their needs and connect them to the appropriate services.
“The new process benefits people by ensuring those with the most urgent care needs do not face delays in accessing care,” said Island Health in a media release.
“It also supports care teams in directing patients to the most appropriate health care provider.”
Those seeking care will be connected with a physician, nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, mental health worker, substance use clinician or social worker based on their needs.
Alternatively, Island Health says that those who can be served by a pharmacist will be advised, allowing them to gain faster access to care.
This new triage process is already being used at the Central Nanaimo UPCC and the Cowichan UPCC, as well as at UPCCs across the Lower Mainland.
Island Health says that feedback from the Lower Mainland sites has been positive, with more patients reportedly being seen and those in need of specialized care providers gaining quicker access to them.
“Many nurses at South Island UPCCs are certified to offer services that patients would traditionally receive from physicians and nurse practitioners, including the ability to assess, diagnose and treat certain conditions,” says Island Health.
The new process will officially be implemented in all south island UPCCs beginning on Monday, October 27th.
