Welcome to Vancouver Coastal Health: Health Services for Newcomers

Frequently Asked Questions

• What if I need language assistance at a medical appointment?

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  • If you need language assistance at a medical appointment, interpretation services are available for your health care needs. You can ask your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife to book an interpreter service for you.
  • You may also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for health information services in languages other than English. Interpreting services are available in over 130 languages. After dialing 8-1-1, you will be connected with an English-speaking health service navigator. To get service in another language, simply state the language you are looking for (for example, say “Punjabi”) and an interpreter will join the call.

• How do I call for an ambulance?

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  • If you have a medical emergency and cannot get to the hospital yourself, you can call an ambulance. In most places, the phone number is 9-1-1. There might be a different phone number in small communities. Check for the number inside the front pages of your telephone book or ask your local police department. You should write down and save emergency numbers.
  • When you call the emergency number, the operator will ask if you want police, fire or ambulance. Ask for an ambulance. The operator will ask questions about your health concerns. They may give you medical instructions over the phone. If an ambulance is sent, paramedics will take care of you.
  • MSP does not cover the full cost of going to hospital by ambulance. You will have to pay some of the cost. You do not have to pay right away as you will get a bill later. If you have a low income, you may get assistance.

• What do I do if my family doctor/nurse practitioner is not available?

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  • If you are having an urgent issue and your family doctor or nurse practitioner is not available, you can see a doctor or nurse practitioner at a walk-in clinic or go to an Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).
  • A UPCC is not intended to replace family doctors or care providers as a person's first point of contact for health concerns, nor will it replace Emergency Departments for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. It is intended to be an additional service in the community to provide appropriate urgent services to patients, when and where they need it.
  • These are first come, first served, so you may have to wait to see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

• How do I know if I should go to the Emergency Department or an Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC)?

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  • For life-threatening illnesses or injuries, call 9-1-1 or go the Emergency Department to be assessed and treated immediately. This includes suspected stroke or heart attack, poisoning or overdose, major trauma, head injury with loss of consciousness, etc.
  • UPCCs provide patient-centred care by a team of health care providers, including family doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and clerical staff.  They are for people who have an urgent but non-life threatening injury and/or illness, and need to be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner within 12-24 hours.
  • Some examples of injuries/illnesses that may be treated at a UPCC are: sprains and strains, high fever, worsening chronic disease, minor infections, and new or worsening pain. UPCCs provide team-based, everyday health care. They provide urgent care when you are unable to see your family doctor or nurse practitioner and your injury/illness does not require emergency attention.

• Where do I go to buy medicine?

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  • There are some medicines you can buy only if you have a prescription. Prescriptions must be written by a doctor or another medical person (like a midwife or nurse practitioner). You can buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy (drug store). Some grocery stores have pharmacies. When you go to a pharmacy, take your prescription with you. The prescription tells the pharmacist which drug, and how much, you need. The pharmacist will explain how often and for how long you must take the medicine.
  • You can search online for a pharmacy, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or use the HealthLink BC website or the BC Health Services Locator app to find a pharmacy near you.
  • You can buy some medicines without a prescription. These are called non-prescription or over-the-counter drugs. These are usually for less serious problems, such as a headache, a cold or allergies. If you have a question about over-the-counter drugs, ask the pharmacist. You can also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 and ask to speak to a pharmacist.

• How do I see a specialist?

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  You have to be seen by your family doctor or nurse practitioner for an appointment. If it is needed, then a referral is sent to the specialist by your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

• Where do I go if I need vaccinations for any member of my family?

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  Immunizations are an important tool in health care, protecting us from the effects of a number of serious and potentially fatal infections and diseases. Get routine immunizations for children and adults at VCH Public Health Units or from a general practitioner. Learn more about immunizations. 

• If I’m travelling outside of B.C., do I need additional health insurance?

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  There is important information you need to know about the extent of coverage while you are out of the province. For the latest information, visit the Government of British Columbia website.