Same-day (primary) care

Last updated: July 21st, 2026 at 1:08pm

Get care in person or online at an Island Health clinic for concerns that need attention within 12–24 hours. Most clinics require an appointment. Please call to book.

Browse the clinics listed below to find one near you.

Are you having a life-threatening emergency?

For life-threatening or emergencies such as chest pain, stroke, overdose, or severe injury, call 9-1-1 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.

When to choose

This service may help if: 

  • You need care soon, but it’s not an emergency
  • You feel sick or in pain, but it’s not life-threatening
  • You have a minor injury (like a cut or sprain). If you think something might be broken, check if the clinic has X-ray or other tests
  • Need mental health support
  • Need a prescription refill, a check-in, or follow-up care

Services vary by location. Check the clinic’s page to see what’s offered.

How to begin

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 Call your clinic first, if you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Tell them it's urgent and ask if you can get seen today or tomorrow. 
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Book by phone, if you don't have a doctor/Nurse Practitioner or they are unavailable. 

  • Central or North Vancouver Island: call the clinic when it opens. 
  • Southern Vancouver Island: you can now call anytime to request an appointment

A trained team member will ask a few questions about your symptoms to understand how urgent your concern is. This helps us:

  • Make sure people with the most urgent needs are seen first
  • Match you with the right provider
  • Direct you to the best care option if a urgent and primary care centre isn’t the right place

You may be offered:

  • A same-day appointment
  • A next-day appointment
  • Advice about another care option

Have your BC Services Card or Personal Health Number and be ready to describe your symptoms.

What to expect

Before you go

  • Bring your BC Services Card, Personal Health Number, or provincial ID card (fees may apply)
  • Bring a list of medications you take
  • Arrive a little early to check in for your appointment
  • Be ready to describe your symptoms and what you need help with

When you arrive

  • Check in at the front desk and share why you’re here
  • If you need support (language, mobility, or other accommodations), let the staff on site know
  • If you start to feel worse while waiting, tell the staff right away

Your visit

  • You’ll be seen by a doctor, nurse, or another care provider and we will explain who you’re seeing and why
  • You’ll have time to ask questions, and you’ll leave with clear next steps and what to do if symptoms change

Care locations

North Island

Central Island

South Island

More services

Find virtual care

Talk to a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other health professional by phone or video anywhere in B.C.
Register to get a family doctor or nurse practitioner

Add your name to the BC Health Connect Registry and get on your local waitlist.

Register now
Get mental health support now

Find urgent mental health and substance use care, including counselling, harm reduction and treatment.
Not sure where to start?

Call 8-1-1 to talk to a patient navigator about the support you might need.