Know your care options
Choose the right care in the right place.
Seeking appropriate care
Making informed decisions about health care can is important for your well-being and helps the health-care system work better. Knowing where to go for care can lead to better and faster treatment while reducing unnecessary pressure on health-care resources. Keep in mind that the services and resources available may differ by region, reflecting the unique needs of each community.
It's essential to understand the various levels of care and find one that best fits your situation. Whether you have a minor ailment or a serious condition, getting the right care at the right place and time can make a big difference.
Your health-care navigation guide
Here’s how to decide where to seek care based on your needs. Remember, this guide provides a general overview, and health-care services can vary depending on where you live:
- Personalized care: See your family doctor or nurse practitioner who knows your health-care needs best. Call their office for hours and instructions. If you don’t have one, register at HealthLinkBC.ca
- General health questions: Call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse anytime.
- Pharmacy: Speak with your pharmacist who can prescribe for contraception and minor ailments. Learn more at SeeYourPharmacist.ca
- Mental health and substance use: Find nearby support and services at vch.ca/MentalHealth
- Urgent care: For non-life-threatening medical attention, visit an urgent and primary care centre. Check locations and hours at vch.ca/UPCC
- Emergency care: For life threatening medical attention, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital. Note: BC Children’s Hospital also helps kids up to 16 for pediatric emergencies.
- Vaccinations: Book your flu or COVID-19 shots at GetVaccinated.gov.bc.ca or 1-833-838-2323. For drop-in options, check with pharmacies, walk-in clinics or your family practitioner.
Regional services
Health-care services are tailored to meet the needs of each community, which means the type and availability of care may differ from one town to another. For this reason, it is important to seek the most current and specific information for your area.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on services in your area, please select your region below.
Vancouver
Boundary Road to UBC, and from the north side of the Fraser River to Burrard Inlet.
Richmond
From the south side of the Fraser River to the north border of Surrey and Delta.
Coastal
The North Shore, Sunshine Coast and Powell River, Sea-to-Sky Highway, and the Central Coast (Bella Bella and Bella Coola).