Telehealth

Telehealth uses Island Health’s secure video conferencing technology and private network. It connects patients to health care services in dedicated rooms across the Island. Telehealth visits are arranged through your health care provider or Island Health care team. Telehealth staff cannot make referrals for patients to Telehealth or other Virtual Care services.

Telehealth is one of several Virtual Care services supported at Island Health. It provides an option for patients who are unable or are uncomfortable using technology to connect to their health care providers.

Telehealth is voluntary and aims to create a similar experience to in-person consultations. Patients are encouraged to bring family members, friends or caregivers with them to their Telehealth session.
 

Who can use Telehealth?

Telehealth appointments can only be arranged through your health care provider or Island Health care team. Island Health Telehealth staff are NOT able to accept direct requests for appointments from the public.

If you do not have a virtual appointment with an Island Health care provider and you are seeking to access care virtually, please review your options at See a Doctor or Nurse Online (Virtual Care) | Island Health.

Are you in need of care and do not have a primary care provider? Try these resources:

• Visit HealthLinkBC or call 8-1-1 for advice. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 7-1-1.
• Search PathwaysMedicalCare.ca for information about your family doctor or to search for clinics in your area.
• Search Medimap.ca to view wait times for local walk-in clinics and urgent primary care clinics.

Where is Telehealth offered?

For information and wayfinding material for Island Health Telehealth locations, please visit the Telehealth Locations Page.

A map of the Island Health Telehealth locations is also available. Map not visible? Try using a different browser. Note that Telehealth is also offered in many locations across British Columbia. Out of province clinicians may also deliver services ‘virtually’.

Who is eligible for Telehealth?

Health care providers determine if Telehealth is suitable for their patients. Please speak with your health care provider to understand if Telehealth may be appropriate for you.

Patient Stories

Faces of Telehealth is a collection of short articles featuring the uses and benefits of Telehealth. Patients, clinicians and administrators share their experiences with Island Health Telehealth in this online magazine.

Telehealth Videos

In this series of videos, Island Health patients and healthcare providers share their experience using Telehealth.

Telehealth at Island Health

Telehealth for seniors health: increasing access to geriatricians

Telehealth for heart health: increasing access to cardiac specialists

Telehealth for renal care: increasing access for patients living with kidney disease

Telehealth for MS: increasing access for patients living with Multiple Sclerosis