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A new urgent and primary care centre will open April 1 at 7671 Alderbridge Way.

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Richmond to get urgent and primary care centre

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:14 PST, Fri March 12, 2021

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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Health care in Richmond is getting a shot in the arm with today’s announcement by the province of a new urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) opening April 1.

“We're working hard to keep people safe during the pandemic, while meeting the health-care needs of growing communities throughout our province," said Premier John Horgan. "The centre in Richmond is one of five new UPCCs in the Vancouver Coastal Health area that will deliver better health care for people, closer to home."

The UPCC, to be located temporarily in the Community Health Access Centre at 7671 Alderbridge Way, will open in two phases.

"Timely access to everyday health care can be challenging for the thousands of people living in Richmond," said Health Minister Adrian Dix. "The new Richmond UPCC will provide a real solution, as residents will be able to benefit from increased access to same-day appointments for urgent needs and comprehensive team-based care when they need it, closer to home."

The new Richmond centre will provide urgent primary care services in evenings and on weekends. The centre will open weekdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday and statutory holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is anticipated the health-care team at the temporary site will comprise 10 full-time equivalent health-care workers, including general practitioners, registered nurses and a social worker. The team will deliver urgent primary care services to people who need to see a health-care provider within 24 to 48 hours but do not require a trip to the emergency department.

Once the centre opens in a permanent location (yet to be determined) in November, hours of operation will be extended. It will also add full-service long-term primary care services, including mental health and social work, as well as medical diagnostics. At that time, the centre will also work to connect patients without a family doctor to a physician or nurse practitioner for ongoing primary care—either at the UPCC or in the community. As doctors and nurse practitioners are recruited, attachment will be provided by collaboration with the Richmond Division of Family Practice.

"Embedding mental health and addictions care into urgent and primary care centres across B.C. is vital to removing stigma and barriers to care," said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "I'm encouraged that, along with so many other B.C. communities, people in Richmond and the surrounding area will now be able to connect to the mental health and addictions supports they need and deserve."

The UPCC in Richmond is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Richmond Division of Family Practice. It is part of the Richmond Primary Care Network.