Temporary changes to urgent care hours at Chemainus Health Care Centre in December

Due to limited physician availability, Island Health is advising community residents and visitors to the area of changes to the operating hours for urgent care services at the Chemainus Health Care Centre (CHCC) during the month of December.

During this time, laboratory and medical imaging services at the CHCC will continue as usual.

Hours of operation for urgent care for the month of December are as follows: 

December 1 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 2 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 3 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 4 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 5 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 6 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 7 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 8 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 9 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 10 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 11 Closed
December 12 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 13 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 14 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 15 No change, open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 16 Closed
December 17 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 18 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 19 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 20 Open 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December 21 Closed
December 22 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 23 Closed
December 24 Closed
December 25 Closed
December 26 Closed
December 27 Closed
December 28 Open 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
December 29 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 30 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
December 31 Open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

During the hours when urgent care at CHCC is not open, people should proceed to the Ladysmith Community Health Centre (15km away) or Cowichan District Hospital (20 km away). During the hours when CHCC is not open, Island Health will allocate additional resources to Ladysmith and Cowichan to support staff and patients.

Island Health is continuing work to secure additional physician coverage for December, which may result in adjustments to CHCC urgent care hours of operation. Residents and visitors to the area can call ahead to the CHCC for up-to-date information at 250-737-2040 ext. 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. 

If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an emergency department, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free, 24/7 by calling HealthLink BC at 811.

Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service interruption.