PARKSVILLE — In a bid to improve healthcare outcomes and availability for those on the mid-Island, the BC NDP are looking to expand clinic availability.
Announced Saturday, Oct. 17, the party has promised the development of a new Urgent and Primary Care Clinic (UPCC) in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region if re-elected in the 2026 Provincial Election on Saturday, Oct. 24.
UPCCs offer same-day care for non-emergency health issues and are designed to reduce strain on local hospital emergency rooms.
“A new Urgent and Primary Care Centre would give people another place to turn when they need medical attention, helping connect them with care sooner and easing pressure on emergency departments,” Ladysmith-Oceanside NDP candidate Stephanie Higginson said in a release.
Typical issues handled at UPCCs include treatment of minor injuries and common illnesses which require medical intervention but don’t meet the threshold for a hospital emergency room.
A total of 48 UPCCs are open province-wide, including one opened in 2025 on Norwell Dr. in Nanaimo, while a privately run UPCC is located at Port Place Shopping Centre.
The facilities operate by having those seeking care call first thing in the morning, then being triaged into appointment slots through the day based on their need.
“We have made great progress in Oceanside, attaching over 2,000 people in two years to a family doctor or nurse practitioner,” Higginson added. “This UPCC will ensure our residents have access to care while we continue the critical work to attach everyone to a primary care practitioner.”
The NDP had previously promised, during the 2024 provincial election, movement on a new cath lab and patient tower at NRGH.
Island Health confirmed in February they had begun work on a concept plan for the project, after the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District board had said they would pay for the plan in its entirety as part of their required 40 per cent contribution of capital funding for the project.
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