Where to get care: Emergencies and urgent medical needs

January 22, 2024
Urgent and Primary Care Centres like this one in Penticton offer services that sit somewhere between an emergency department, a walk-in clinic and your doctor’s office. 

When Erin’s teenage son Sam hurt his wrist at the skatepark, it didn’t seem that serious at first. However, by the evening his wrist was very swollen and painful. Erin started second-guessing her initial assessment and felt they should have her son’s injury checked.  

When a family doctor or walk-in clinic isn’t available, or if it’s after hours or the weekend, we often turn to hospital emergency departments for help. 

But instead of going to the local emergency department that night, however, Erin took her son to the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC). The primary care team’s physician provided a requisition for an X-ray to be done at the hospital, and the team’s physiotherapist wrapped Sam’s wrist and provided a sling.

“It all turned out well. It wasn’t broken or fractured,” says Erin. “And it was a relief to get into the clinic that evening and have someone look at Sam’s wrist quickly.” 

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

As a social worker, Magalie enjoys helping people navigate complex systems and making them feel heard.

9 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

One in 3 women will be affected by heart disease. One in 100 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. Meet 3 women and read their heart health stories.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

We are proud, honoured and humbled to be recognized this year, the 10th time IH has received the award.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Working in the health-care industry enabled Jonathan Saah to align his career with a meaningful mission: improving well-being, equity and access to health care.

12 Minute Read
Community & Culture

A small team of volunteers with lived experiences in Williams Lake is helping give those struggling on the streets a 'bridge to a better life.'

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Ten years ago, Christine Aiken was diagnosed with vascular dementia. Today, she's a strong voice, advocate and role model for those living with the disease.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail