Physical Wellness Resources

        

The Victoria Primary Care Network (PCN) team is working with local clinics to help connect people to a primary care provider, either a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

 

This includes people living in the following communities:

  • Downtown Victoria
  • Fairfield
  • Fernwood
  • Gordon Head
  • Interurban
  • James Bay
  • Oak Bay
  • Oaklands
  • Quadra
  • Shelbourne
  • Swan Lake
  • Tillicum
  • Vic West

      

You can visit the Western Communities or Saanich Peninsula community pages to learn more about the Registry if you live in those regions.

      

If you live in B.C. and need a primary care provider, you can register for the Health Connect Registry. You can also register your family members or a person in your care.

       

To register, you’ll need to provide your Personal Health Number, B.C. home address and contact information.

Once registered, you will be contacted directly when a primary care provider is available.

         

Visit HealthlinkBC for more information on how to register.                              

                                       

The Telus Health MyCare App provides video chat with a licensed in-province Doctor, Dietitian or Counsellor from your phone.

 

Services offered in BC, for residents with a valid Provincial Health Card Number, you do not need to pay a direct cost for your doctor appointment if you are covered under your provincial health insurance plan (MSP). For residents without a valid Provincial Health Card Number, you will be required to pay per doctor consultation if you are not covered under your provincial health insurance. Dietitian and Counsellor services may be covered with an extended health benefits plan. ​

 

Visit the Telus MyCare App to connect with a Healthcare Provider.

           

The Smiles First Program provides one-on-one consultation for at-risk pregnant women and parents with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Smiles First provides assessment and skill building for parents to understand factors that increase the risk of dental disease, and learn ways to reduce risk. Visual screening can identify early stages of decay, and fluoride varnish or dental referral is provided as needed. This service is available at all health units and some community locations.

 

Contact your local Public Health Unit to find the location of the nearest dental program.

 

     

In Canada, public health insurance is available to eligible residents. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply for provincial health insurance. In B.C., public health insurance is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It covers the cost of medically-necessary insured doctor services.

      

Visit the Medical Services Plan for B.C. Residents for more information.

      

Pharmacare

There are 12 different plans that assist in paying for eligible medications prescribed by a physician, dentist, midwife, nurse practitioner, optometrist, or podiatrist licensed and practicing in BC; insulin, needles, syringes, and insulin pumps, and insulin pump supplies for all people with diabetes (and blood glucose monitoring strips up to certain annual coverage limits for those who have a Certificate of Training); designated, pre-approved permanent prosthetic appliances; children’s orthotic devices; and certain ostomy supplies. PharmaNet is a network that links all BC pharmacies; dispensed prescriptions are entered to improve prescription safety and support prescription claim processing.

         

Call 1-800-663-7100 or visit BC Pharmacare for more information.

           

Medi-Maps is a resource that provides a list of local care providers.

 

Visit Medi-Maps to find a clinic near you.

 

 

 

 

 

     

The goal of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Health Benefits Program is to cover medically necessary items, services, and travel that:

        

  • address First Nations peoples’ unique health needs
  • respect First Nations’ cultures and values
  • ensure the program is available for future generations
  • close the health gap between First Nations and non-First Nations in BC
  • focus on wellness and prevention instead of only treating sickness
  • are based on professional judgment, best practices, and evidence-based care​

    

It focuses on covering six different areas which include Dental, Medical Supplies and Equipment, Medical Transportation, Mental Health, Pharmacy and Vision​.

Visit the following links for more information:

FNHA Health Benefits Guide

FNHA Pregnancy and Infant Care

FNHA Virtual Doctor of the Day

             

The LIFE program stands for Leisure Involvement for Everyone and provides a combination of unlimited access to The Crystal Pool, annual credit and 52 drop in visits to participating municipal recreation centres. The City of Victoria and its regional Partners are committed to ensuring that all its residents have access and choices in their leisure opportunities. Recreation contributes to one’s mental and physical health and stimulates the development of healthier and stronger individuals and families.

 

Visit the LIFE Program for more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply.

 

          

Walk in Medical Clinics and Urgent Primary Care Centres are located in communities across Greater Victoria.

 

Visit Medi-Map for location and wait times.

 

 

 

 

Haven Pregnancy Support Clinic offers free pregnancy tests, appointments with a nurse for pregnancy options support, pap tests and sexual health education.

 

#112 – 826 North Park Street

Hours of Operation: Monday–Thursday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Clinic Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30 AM –4:00 PM

250-380-6883

info@havenpsc.ca

 

Visit Haven’s Clinic Services for more information.

       

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) deliver a range of health care services to First Nations individuals, families and communities.

       

Nurse Practitioners are nurses with advanced knowledge and clinical skills which enable them to:

  • diagnose and treat diseases, disorders and chronic conditions
  • order diagnostic interventions, laboratory tests and medications
  • manage medical conditions
  • refer patients to specialists
  • act as health advocates for Indigenous members

 

Working with the interdisciplinary teams and physicians in each community, Nurse Practitioners also assist with health promotion, illness prevention and treatment, health education, awareness, counselling and education to reduce some of the more chronic health concerns facing community members such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, addictions and mental health issues.

 

Nurse practitioners working in Indigenous health centres are mindful of cultural practices, approaches and traditional medicines that support holistic care and services.

 

Visit Indigenous Nurse Practitioners South Island Locations for more information.

           

Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) serves those who wish to see an Indigenous Health professional about their health concerns.

 

To access our one-on-one Health Services, an intake is required. Intake can be completed by coming to VNFC in person (231 Regina St) Monday to Friday 1pm –4pm, or by calling 250-384-3211.

 

Visit VNFC Indigenous Health Professional for more information.

 

          

From nutrition to elder care, find services and supports directly related to Indigenous health within Island Health’s service region.

 

Visit the following links for more information:

Healing Room

Indigenous Health Diabetes Nurse Educator

Indigenous Health Dietitians

Indigenous Liaison Nurses

       

Are you looking for a family doctor? Here are some suggestions:

        

  • Register with the Health Connect Registry – if you live in British Columbia and need a family doctor or nurse practitioner, register using the Health Connect Registry using this link.
  • Visit the Pathways Medical Care Directory. The directory helps you connect with family doctors in your community.
  • Contact HealthLink BC using the 8-1-1 toll-free number (If you are hearing impaired, call 7-1-1.). You will be able to speak to a health service navigator who can provide you with information about finding a family doctor in your own community. For example, some communities have services (delivered through the local Divisions of Family Practice) that can help to connect you with a doctor who is taking new patients. The health service navigator can also provide information about walk-in clinics in your area that may be able to provide ongoing care for you or your family member.
  • Your local Division of Family Practice who may have knowledge of family physicians who are accepting new patients.
  • Ask your family or friends to introduce you to their own family doctor. Sometimes a doctor may take you on referral from an existing patient.
  • If you are visiting another health care provider, such as a specialist, ask them if they know of any family doctors that are accepting patients.

    

If you are visiting a walk-in clinic, ask the doctor if they would be willing to take you on as a patient.