Resources for Patients

Welcome to Vancouver Division’s resources for patients – access information to support your care.

NOTE for patients who received a retirement notification letter from their family physician in the mail – If you registered to have help finding a new primary care provider due to your physician’s retirement and are following-up on the status of that registration, please fill out this Patient Request Form. You will hear from the Division in 5-7 business days.

For patients, whose physician has retired and did not work with the Vancouver Division or who are simply looking for a primary care provider, please refer to the resources below. The Division does not hold a list of publicly accepting family physicians and nurse practitioners and is unable to manage the public demand of attachment.

Are you Looking for a Family Doctor in Vancouver?

The Division does not hold a list of publicly accepting family physicians and nurse practitioners and is unable to manage the public demand of attachment.

Our recommended approach to finding care:

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
For medical related questions, consider calling 811 to speak with a nurse.
Find doctors currently accepting new patients – pathwaysmedicalcare.ca.
Visit Medimap.ca to locate the nearest walk-in clinic and their wait times.
If you are expecting and do not have a delivery plan, visit Pregnancy Vancouver.
Urgent and Primary Care Centres are available with extended hours for same-day, non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses who are unable to see a family doctor or health care provider.
COVID-19 assessment and testing locations and information.

Information and Handouts for Patients

What is the Role of a Primary Care Provider?

Your primary care provider (also known as your family doctor or nurse practitioner) is the first medical professional you should see when you have a health concern.

Research has shown that people who get regular care from a primary care provider receive more preventative care, are more likely to be accurately diagnosed, and are generally healthier. (Starfield and Mackinko, 2005).

Your primary care provider is your advocate in the British Columbia healthcare system and will help you navigate through it.

Family doctors and nurse practitioners are trained to care for all your health care needs from pregnancy to end-of-life care and to be part of the health care team for treatment of serious diseases like cancer.
When appropriate, your family doctor or nurse practitioner may refer you to another health care provider for specialized services. This may include a pediatrician for your baby or a psychiatrist for your mental health care needs.
Your family doctor or nurse practitioner will also communicate all relevant information to other care providers, maintain your medical records, and ensure you receive follow up care.

What is your Role as a Patient?

Your relationship with your primary care provider takes time to develop and requires ongoing communication.

Be patient. Unexpected emergencies can occur for patients who are seeing your family doctor or nurse practitioner before you. You may have to wait for your appointment even if you have booked a specific time. Consider booking appointments early in the day to decrease the likeliness of wait times.
Book an appointment at least one week in advance. Tell the receptionist the purpose of your visit. Staff are trained to identify the urgency of your appointment.
Communicate directly with your family doctor or nurse practitioner if you are concerned about the care that you are receiving.

Be Prepared for your Appointment

Click here for a printable version of this checklist.

Community Resources for Patient Care

Home and Community Care Resources

Mental Health

Access and Assessment Centre
CMHA Peer Navigators
Vancouver Coastal Health – Geriatric Mental Health Intake (65 years and older) 604-709-6785
Vancouver Coast Health – Adult Mental Health Intake (Under 65 years) 604-675-3997
Vancouver Crisis Line – 604-872-3311

Substance Use

Vancouver Coastal Health – Addiction Services Intake – 1-866-658-1221

Information on COVID-19

COVID-19 Resources

Provincial Telephone Service: 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or via text message at 1-888-268-4319. Available 7:30 am – 8:00 pm, in over 110 languages. For non-medical information about COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine – Answers for Patients – Doctors of BC

Know the Facts about Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Public Health Agency of Canada

BC Centre for Disease Control: Public Site

Translated Handouts and Videos about COVID-19 – BCCDC

COVID-19 Update and Resources for the Public – VCH

Exposures and Safety Information

Public Exposures of COVID-19 – VCH webpage
* Public Exposures for Travel, Places and Public Events – BCCDC

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Vaccinations Resources

Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine – BCCDC website provides information on how to register and what to expect when you get vaccinated for COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccination at a Glance – BCCDC patient online resource – A Who, What, When, Where, Why overview

COVID-19 Vaccines – HealthLinkBC’s online resource for patients

Vaccine Confidence Info Sheets and Q&A – Vancouver Coastal Health

COVID-19 Vaccines: 8 Myths and Facts – Doctors of BC

How the COVID-19 Vaccines Work and What they Protect Against – Doctors of BC

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions – Immunize BC online resource

COVID-19 Vaccine Considerations – BCCDC online resource for patients with allergies, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have specific health conditions including those considered clinically extremely vulnerable

Vaccines for People who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable – BC Government patient online resource, including a list of eligible conditions

Vaccine Information for People who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable – Doctors of BC online resource with Q&A and resource links

COVID-19 Vaccine After Care Sheet – Patient handout created by BCCDC and the Ministry of Health on what to expect on the days following vaccination

DocTalks Podcast: Vaccine Hesitancy – Talking to patients about the COVID-19 vaccine – Doctors of BC