VIHA is reminding residents that urgent care and primary care services have yet to open in the Oceanside Health Centre (OHC) and that coming to the centre may delay their treatment.
"Patients who need urgent care for a serious medical condition should not come to the Oceanside Health Centre," says Sheila Cruikshank, Director for the Centre. The OHC began providing laboratory, medical imaging and community-based services such as home care, mental health and substance use, home support and environmental health programs on June 24. However, urgent care for conditions that require immediate medical attention does not begin until Sept. 16.
Since the Oceanside Health Centre opened its doors on a limited basis, VIHA says approximately 40 people have attended the Centre seeking urgent care, including for potentially serious injuries and chest pain. In these instances, staff have been able to arrange ambulance transportation to an emergency department or suggest patients go to the local walk-in clinic. However, treatment was delayed because of the additional stop at the Oceanside Health Centre.
— NEWS Staff/VIHA