Richmondites can now access urgent heath care seven days a week at a new urgent and primary care centre (UPCC), which opened today.
The UPCC – located temporarily in the Community Health Access Centre at 7671 Alderbridge Way near Gilbert and Lansdowne roads – will be open in the evening on weekdays and during the day on weekends, according to Vancouver Coastal Health.
The centre's hours, however, are modified for the Easter long weekend. The centre will be open today (April 1) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 3 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After the long weekend, the normal operating hours for the centre will be Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday and statutory holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No appointment is required as care is provided on a drop-in basis.
General practitioners and registered nurses will provide urgent primary care to people who need treatment for medical issues within 12 to 24 hours, but who don't need to go to the emergency department at the hospital.
The Richmond centre will also refer patients to mental health and social work services in the community.
Once the UPCC moves to a permanent location, operating hours will be extended and the centre will provide full-service long-term primary care services, including mental health and social work and medical diagnostics.
This is the 24th urgent and primary care centre in the province and the fifth in Vancouver Coastal Health
