Island Health – Emergency Care

April 9 - Island Health wishes to remind everyone on Vancouver Island that if you are experiencing a medical emergency, we are ready to provide the care you need.

We are incredibly thankful to the people of Vancouver Island who have heeded our call to avoid unnecessary trips to our emergency departments. With that said, it is important that people who do require immediate care continue to seek it out. Call 811 for advice, call 911 or come to an emergency department if you believe you have an emergency issue requiring care.

We also understand that some people may be hesitant to come to a hospital or emergency department due to concerns related to COVID-19 transmission. We want to reassure people that we have strict infection prevention and control protocols in place and all of our hospitals remain a safe place for everyone to receive care. We know many people are managing chronic disease and other health issues and it is important you continue to work with your health care providers on this.

As ever, if you believe you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, do not attend a hospital unless you require immediate emergency care. Use the BC Centre for Disease Control’s online self-assessment tool (bc.thrive.health) and self-isolate for at least 10 days. Call your primary care provider or 811 for advice if you are concerned about your symptoms. If you do plan to seek medical care, please call ahead to the site you plan to attend. For the latest information, please continue to check back regularly to islandhealth.covid-19 or bccdc.ca .