Updated December 29, 2023
Island Health is consolidating urgent and primary care services on Christmas Day to reduce the risk of last-minute closures due to limited staffing challenges. Considering traditionally low demand on these three days at UPCCs, Island Health anticipates these sites will meet demand ensuring the public has access to the care they need.
- On December 24, the Gorge, James Bay, North Quadra and Westshore UPCCs will be open regular hours until 8:00pm. The Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt UPCCs will close at 4:00 pm.
- On December 25, the Downtown Victoria, North Quadra, Gorge, and Westshore UPCCs will be open regular hours 8:00am – 8:00pm. The James Bay and Esquimalt UPCCs will be closed all day.
- On December 31, the Gorge, James Bay and Westshore UPCCs will be open regular hours until 8:00 pm. The North Quadra, Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt UPCCs will close at 4:00 pm.
- On January 1, The Gorge, James Bay, Westshore, Downtown Victoria and Esquimalt UPCCs will be open regular hours until 8:00 pm. The North Quadra UPCC will close at 4:00 pm.
Anyone in need of urgent primary care services on December 25 should call the Downtown Victoria, Gorge, North Quadra or Westshore UPCCs. Additional staff will be working at these sites to assist. In addition to physicians working at the four UPCCs, the sites will also be supported with physicians who can provide virtual consults as required.
As always, anyone in need of immediate emergency medical attention should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to a UPCC or an emergency department, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free, 24/7 by calling HealthLink BC at 811.