Nanaimo will be the next city to receive an urgent primary care centre.
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said Wednesday that he is optimistic he can make an announcement by March 31.
“It’s pretty clear that Nanaimo is next,” he said.
Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre opened in October, offering upgraded treatment and examination rooms compared with typical walk-in clinics. It cost $3.44 million. It will operate at an annual cost of $4.45 million with the Capital Regional Hospital District committed to paying 30 per cent over 10 years.
The urgent primary care approach offers a team of medical professionals including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and specialists with expertise helping patients with mental illness and addictions.
Urgent medical-care issues are defined as something that must be seen within 24 hours, such as sprains or urinary problems. The centre will also offer help for less urgent health concerns.
