Temporary changes to Urgent Care Centre hours are continuing at the Chemainus Health Care Centre in September.
Due to limited physician availability, Island Health is advising residents and visitors to the area to take note of changes to the operating hours during the month of September.
During this time, laboratory and medical imaging services will continue as usual.
During the hours when Urgent Care is not open, people are advised to proceed to the Ladysmith Community Health Centre that’s 15 kilometres away or the Cowichan District Hospital that’s 20 km away. Island Health will allocate additional resources to Ladysmith and Cowichan to support staff and patients during those days.
Island Health said it is continuing to secure additional physician coverage for September, which may result in adjustments to Urgent Care hours of operation. Residents and visitors can call ahead for up-to-date information at 250-737-2040, extension 42227, or check for updates on the Island Health website.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or, if possible, proceed to the nearest emergency department.
Island Health acknowledges the situation is not ideal for the community and apologizes for any inconvenience experienced by the temporary service interruption.
The Urgent Care Centre in Chemainus will be completely closed on nine days in September: Sept. 2, 7, 8, 11, 14, 19, 20, 26 and 30.
Regular hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. take place on Sept. 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 21, 23, 27 and 29.
On the remaining days, Sept. 1, 5, 13, 16, 22, 24, 25 and 28, the centre will only be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.