Urgent & Primary Care Centre averaging 42 patient visits a day since opening

It’s been just over 6 months since the Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) opened in Williams Lake.

Clinical Operations Director for the Cariboo Memorial Hospital, Kelly Dillon, said the Centre has averaged about 42 patients a day using a team-based care model.

“When patients walk in a registered nurse will assess them and direct them to the appropriate care and available services. These services may include an in-person or virtual appointment with a Physician or Nurse Practitioner, a social worker, or an Indigenous Patient Navigator at the clinic. As well as other services available in our community such as pharmacies, labs, medical imaging, mental health and substance use supports, and specialists referrals.”

Dillon said the Williams Lake UPCC has supported over 7,978 patient visits since they opened on February 25, 2025.

“The number of people waiting to be seen in the Emergency Department at Cariboo Memorial Hospital has decreased since the Centre opened, and this new service has also helped with the length of time patients who have lower acuity need, or for instances less severe condition in how long they’re waiting for care.”

Dillon added community feedback towards the Urgent and Primary Care Centre has been positive.

“UPCC patients are pleased that they do not have to wait as long to get same day service, or care, for urgent or unexpected health conditions. Staff takes the time to understand each patient’s unique need and connection them with the most suitable supports to improve their health. This includes access to specialized team members such as a social worker and an Indigenous patient navigator who help address a wide range of health and wellness concerns.”

Interior Health is actively recruiting for positions and nurse practitioners at the UPCC in Williams Lake and as recruitment is still ongoing the staffing will vary on a daily basis.

“When fully staffed,” Dillon said, “there will be typically 4 primary care practitioners working daily, so that would be two physicians and two nurse practitioners. Although we are actively recruiting, there may be days when coverage is limited, and when that occurs, patients will be assessed by a registered nurse, and if required, will be referred to Cariboo Memorial Hospital. People may see a virtual physician or nurse practitioner if an in-person option is not available. So overall very good success with the first 6 months of the Urgent and Primary Care Centre’s opening.”

Dillon added that staff have really come together, they support one another, they support the community, they’ve just done a tremendous amount of work and they love what they’re doing.