A seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses and staffing levels yet to be fully realized have combined to cause delays and frustration for some patients at the new Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) that recently opened in Port Moody.
Nick Eagland, a spokesperson for Fraser Health, said the UPCC at 3105 Murray St. has been experiencing high patient volumes since it opened on Nov. 7, driven mostly by respiratory illnesses like the flu and common cold.
As well, the centre isn’t expected to attain its full complement of doctors and other health practitioners for another six to 12 months.
He added current gaps are currently being filled with relief coverage.
“We continue to work on recruitment strategies to increase our primary care provider positions so we can meet the needs of our communities,” Eagland said.
Cynthia Dee said she recently brought her 88-year-old father to the Port Moody facility and was told it was already “full” just an hour after its 9 a.m. opening.
“No further instruction was provided as to how we can get to see a doctor, like book an appointment and come back at a later time or date,” she told the Tri-City News.
Dee said she ended up taking her father to the emergency department at nearby Eagle Ridge Hospital, an option she thought the clinic was supposed to alleviate.
Others have also shared their frustrations on social media.
One said a doctor wasn’t available to write an X-ray requisition when she took her daughter to the clinic with a suspected sprained ankle and subsequently had to wait four hours at Eagle Ridge emergency.
Another related being sent to the clinic by staff at Eagle Ridge only to be referred back to the hospital.
“This is why our ERs are so crowded, there is nowhere else to go,” said a post.
At its official opening, B.C.’s health minister Adrian Dix said the UPCC is intended to fill a gap in health care availability for people who may not have a family doctor that offers a more integrated approach than a visit to a drop-in clinic while easing pressure on hospital emergency departments.
The 6,500 sq-ft. facility includes seven exam rooms along with four consultation and assessment rooms.
It is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week for urgent care and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays for full-service medical care.
Patients are served in order of urgency for ailments like:
- Cuts, wounds or skin conditions
- Infections
- New or worsening pains
- Sprains and strains
- Nausea, diarrhea or constipation
- Mental health issues like low mood, anxiety or depression
Eagland said when the Port Moody UPCC is fully up and running, it will be able to handle more than 58,000 patient visits a year, and an additional 10,566 patient visits for allied health providers.
But, he cautions, “if you care needs are not urgent, consider other health care options which may be faster, more convenient and more appropriate.”
