BC’s Urgent Care Reality: The Promise vs. The Reality

BC’s Urgent Care Reality: The Promise vs. The Reality

Last year, I went to Peace Arch Hospital’s urgent care. I arrived expecting timely care, but the staff told me the department was either closing soon or too busy and directed me to the Emergency Department. I ended up going to the ER, and while most staff were kind—they x-rayed my wrist and even talked with me about some of the heavy mental health and substance use issues other patients were experiencing—I still felt vulnerable. I was scared, upset, and overwhelmed, especially because my sister was trying to kick me out, and I had nowhere else to go. Ultimately, the ER could not solve my housing or personal crises, and I returned home feeling frustrated and unsupported.

Across BC, the government and health authorities promote the idea that urgent care is available 24/7. They highlight Urgent Primary Care Centres (UPCCs), walk-in clinics, and hospital Emergency Departments as reliable access points for care. In practice, the story is far more complicated.

Emergency Departments

Hospitals like Peace Arch have experienced near-closures due to staff shortages. Even major urban hospitals sometimes divert patients when resources are strained. While EDs are technically open 24/7, staffing gaps mean patients may not receive timely care or are redirected to distant facilities. Even when care is available, it may not address the full scope of a patient’s needs—housing, mental health support, or social safety nets often remain out of reach.

Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs)

UPCCs are designed for non-life-threatening urgent health issues. They promise same-day care and team-based services. Yet, during peak times, they quickly reach capacity, turning away patients or closing early. They cannot replace an ED for serious emergencies, and patients often end up waiting or traveling to another facility.

Walk-In Clinics and Family Doctors

Many people in BC cannot access a family doctor. Walk-in clinics fill some gaps but have limited hours and capacity. This leaves many patients uncertain about where to turn for timely care.

The Reality Check

The truth is, while the system technically offers care, access is inconsistent. Rural areas, smaller towns, and even some urban centres struggle to provide the care promised. Staff shortages, high patient volume, and limited resources all contribute to a system that often cannot meet the needs of the people it serves.

Reflective Questions

• Have you or someone you know ever been redirected from an ED or UPCC due to staff shortages?
• How do wait times or closures affect your decision to seek care?
• Do you feel informed about where to go for urgent health concerns in your area?
• What differences have you noticed between urban and rural healthcare access?
• How could the healthcare system better match the government’s promises of care?

Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we will dive deeper into Emergency Departments under pressure and why BC residents often face long waits or diversions.