Prince George Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC)

Urgent and primary care centres (UPCCs) provide access to same-day, urgent, non-emergency health care. UPCCs are often open evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays (actual hours vary by clinic). UPCCs are an alternative to visiting the hospital for issues that don’t require emergency care.

Patients who require medical attention within 12 to 24 hours can receive care at UPCCs for conditions such as:

• High fevers
• Sprains and strains caused by minor accidents and falls
• Minor bleeding or cuts that require stitches
• Minor burns that may require care
• Mild to moderate breathing difficulty or asthma attacks
• Sinus, oral or lung infections
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Skin conditions such as rashes or infections
• Minor allergic reactions
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Non-severe new or worsening pain
• New or worsening mental health concerns

This list is not exhaustive, and whether a UPCC is appropriate will depend on your specific situation.

The PG UPCC is not an emergency room and cannot treat patients with serious illnesses or injuries such as broken bones, chest pain or head injuries.

If you have a serious condition that requires immediate care, visit the UHNBC emergency room or call 9-1-1 (or local emergency services in your community).

What should patients expect when visiting the UPCC?

UPCC patients will be registered on arrival and be triaged by a nurse; patients will be seen in order of urgency, not in order of arrival.

• Depending on a patient’s needs, they may be seen the same day by a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, or other health professional that day, or be sent to the UHNBC emergency department.

• Some appointments will be provided remotely by teleconference and/or videoconference.

• Some patients may be booked for an appointment the following day or referred to see their family physician, pharmacist, or other community resource.

The urgent and primary care centre can respond if you have an urgent mental health and/or substance use concern. We will coordinate appointments to mental health and substance use clinicians and primary care nurses as needed. These appointments will be for managing your immediate needs and connecting you back to your regular health care team.