West Shore Health Unit

Providing health promotion, disease prevention, intervention, and support services for children, youth and families living in the West Shore Region.
 

Perinatal Services

• Right From The Start – Universal registration for Public Health Nursing supports and services for pregnant people and new parents, their babies, children, and families. Nurses guide clients as they navigate potential challenges with pregnancy and parenthood.
• Postpartum Support – Telephone contact with all new parents and home visits, as identified. Parents are welcome to call our office with any questions regarding postpartum or infant/child health. Baby scales are available during office hours to weigh your baby.
• Breastfeeding Support – Please call to book an appointment with a Public Health Nurse
• Baby Talk – An informal drop-in education and discussion group for parents of babies under 1 year old. Call 250-519-3490 for more information.
• Postpartum Wellness Support Group – Registered and confidential peer support group for postpartum people experiencing postpartum depression/anxiety or adjustment difficulties. Facilitated by Public Health Nurses, group members connect, share their journey, and explore helpful tools and resources. Call 250-519-3490 for more information.
• Baby Bed Program – A safe sleep initiative providing a safe bed for your baby.

Services for Children and Youth

• Child Health Clinics & Immunization Clinics – Offers publicly funded immunizations to infants and school-aged children. Growth monitoring and health/developmental assessments are offered for children under 2 years old. Please call 250-519-3490 to book an appointment. 
• Parenting Support – Parents can call to access information on topics such as child safety, growth and development, nutrition, and parenting. 
• Developmental Screening – For children and referrals to other agencies or services, as needed.
• Youth Clinics – ​​​​Free, confidential services for youth (up to age 26) & STI testing/treatment (all ages). Connect with a health care professional in a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment.
  Services include:
• pregnancy testing and counseling
• STBBI (sexually transmitted and blood borne infections) testing and treatment (available to all ages)
• free birth control, condoms and/or ECP (emergency contraceptive pill)
• access to referrals to other agencies such as mental health / counseling or medical specialists

  Island Health Youth Clinics are currently held at:

  West Shore Health Unit 
  Wednesday 1 – 3 p.m.

  Belmont Secondary, Royal Bay Secondary and West Shore Secondary
  Call for an appointment 250-519-3580 and to confirm hours/locations.

• School-based immunization clinics – School Aged Immunizations
• Comprehensive School Health – Public Health Nurses support schools to adopt a comprehensive school health approach to addressing the health needs of our school population and to provide linkages between schools and community resources. Learn more on the School Age Children (5 to 19 years old) page.
• Audiology services – Hearing Program 
• Speech and Development Support Services – Children & Youth Rehabilitation Services 
• Dental services – Dental Program  
• Provision of teaching materials, pamphlets, videos, and posters

Services for Adults

• Immunization services – We offer publicly funded immunizations to select groups of adults. Non-funded immunizations or for immunizations required for travel purposes please contact local pharmacies or a travel clinic.
• COVID-19 and Influenza Immunization Clinics – visit Get Vaccinated or call 1-833-838-2323 for more information.
• STI Testing – During Youth Clinic hours – call for appointment (all ages welcome).
• Harm Reduction Services – Naloxone training and harm reduction supplies available.

Online Resources

• Prenatal Registration (you may self refer) for access to Public Health resources for best health outcomes for birthing parent and baby.
• Baby’s Best Chance Resource for pregnant parents and baby’s first 6 months.
• Toddlers First Steps Resource for parents or guardians of infants and toddlers 6 months to 36 months old.
• Smart Parent Text messaging program to guide you through pregnancy and first year of parenting.
• HealthLinkBC - Evidence based information about vaccines for BC Residents.