There will be temporary changes to some services, including within the emergency department (ED), at Saanich Peninsula Hospital (SPH) starting October 17 to allow for a necessary ventilation system upgrade in the emergency department. During the October 17 to 27 construction period, the ED will remain open as normal from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
There will not be any changes to the ED entrances, waiting room, and triage areas and people seeking emergency care should continue to access the ED as they normally would. The ED assessment/treatment areas will temporarily relocate on-site.
Medical daycare, outpatient antimicrobial treatment, and surgical day care services will also temporarily relocate on-site during the construction period.
Signage, additional volunteers, and staff will support patient wayfinding and movement during the temporary construction period.
While the ED and hospital will continue to be available during construction for all those that need emergency care, Island Health is asking people to explore all the community-based services available to help them manage their health and prevent unnecessary hospital visits. Many primary care providers (family physicians and nurse practitioners) have urgent or same-day appointments available for their patients.
Other options include:
- Call 8-1-1 to reach HealthLink BC 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for health information and advice from a trained professional.
- Access Island Health primary care services at one of six South Island Urgent and Primary Care Centres by calling 1-833-688-8722. The closest centre to SPH is the North Quadra UPCC or the After-hours clinic at the Peninsula Health Unit.
- Have community pharmacists assess and prescribe for minor ailments and contraception and support urgent prescription refills
- Visit your nearest emergency department, if it is not Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
- Call Community Virtual Care — a free program that helps people living with various chronic diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, COPD, high blood pressure and heart failure — 1-888-533-2273.
Need Care Now? Explore your options.
Our frontline staff and physician partners will continue to provide the same high quality, safe care they always do. There will likely be some delays and impacts to normal operations depending on construction activities. We ask for patience, understanding and kindness as we complete this necessary project.