Family doctors, also known as general practitioners or primary care physicians, help you look after your everyday health needs on a regular basis. Establishing a relationship with a family doctor who knows you well, and sees you regularly over time, may help you avoid some health issues and receive better health advice. We believe in taking a proactive approach to your personal health care by encouraging ongoing, comprehensive care with a family doctor.
Vancouver Coastal Health is not able to assist with locating a family doctor for you. If you are looking for a family doctor in your community, we suggest the following options:
College of Physician and Surgeons of BC - Physician Directory
North Shore Divisions of Family Practice - Looking for a family doctor? Complete online intake form (North Shore only)
HealthLinkBC - Call 8-1-1 (If you are hearing impaired, call 7-1-1) for a free, 24-hour telephone service, staffed by registered nurses, pharmacists and dieticians who can answer your health-related questions.
Ask your family or friends to introduce you to their own family doctor. Sometimes a doctor may take you on as a 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.
Community health centres (CHC) provide a range of health care services in a single location, including access to public and community health nurses, mental health and addiction counsellors, dental clinics for children, speech therapists, nutritionists, youth drop-in health clinics and more. Find a CHC near you.
If you have a health concern that is not an emergency, and you do not yet have a family doctor, walk-in clinics provide non-emergency health care services on a drop-in basis. Use the medimap.ca website to find a walk-in clinic near you.
Call 9-1-1 or go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have been in a major accident or are experiencing:
- Trouble breathing, or catching your breath
- Severe abdominal or chest pain/pressure
- Weakness or tingling on one side of your body
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding
Visit our Emergency phone numbers page to find more specific contact information for physical and mental health resources.