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Chemainus Health Care Centre, located at 9909 Esplanade St in Chemainus, BC, is a community health facility operated by Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority) serving residents of Chemainus, Crofton, Saltair, and the surrounding Cowichan Valley. The facility provides an Urgent Care Unit for serious but non-life-threatening conditions, along with acute care stabilization, diagnostics, laboratory services, and long-term care — all accessible from one location. This is not a full emergency department; patients with life-threatening emergencies should call 911, as those requiring higher-level care will be stabilized and transferred to a larger facility.
Services & Specialties
Urgent Care (walk-in, non-life-threatening conditions), Acute care assessment and stabilization, Medical imaging — X-ray and Bone Mineral Density, On-site laboratory services, Chronic disease management, Physiotherapy (by appointment), Long-term care, Hospice and palliative care residence, Dementia Day Program, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), Referrals to community health and support services.
Amenities
Fully wheelchair-accessible facility with ground-level access
Wheelchair-accessible laboratory
Nondenominational church and religious activities for residents
Lifeline home monitoring program for Chemainus, Saltair, and Crofton areas
Meals on Wheels delivery service (Mon, Wed, Fri) for eligible community members
Nearby Rexall pharmacy in Chemainus for prescriptions and health products
Nearby grocery store, coffee shop, bakery, and beach area for waiting companions
Call ahead at 250-737-2040 ext. 42227 to confirm Urgent Care hours before making the trip — hours can vary.
This is a walk-in Urgent Care unit, not a full emergency department. For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or serious trauma, call 911 immediately.
You will be triaged by a nurse or doctor upon arrival and seen based on medical urgency, not arrival order — plan to wait, especially during peak times.
If you need laboratory tests, note that the lab is only open Monday–Friday and closes for a lunch break from 12:00–12:30 PM; a physician or nurse practitioner requisition is required.
Companions waiting nearby will find a grocery store, coffee shop, local bakery, and Kinsmen Beach Park within close proximity to the centre.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health insurance card (CareCard)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or recent test results
Name and contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Payment method for any applicable fees (e.g., Meals on Wheels, parking)
Comfortable clothing appropriate for examination
Something to read or entertainment, as wait times may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chemainus Health Care Centre a full emergency department?
No. Chemainus Health Care Centre operates an Urgent Care Unit for serious but non-life-threatening conditions. It does not provide 24-hour emergency services and cannot admit patients overnight. If you or someone else is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
What happens if my condition requires more advanced care than this facility can provide?
Medical staff at Chemainus Health Care Centre will assess and stabilize your condition, then arrange a transfer to a larger hospital if you require higher-level care, overnight admission, or specialized services such as cardiac, stroke, trauma, or pediatric emergency care.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Urgent Care Unit?
The Urgent Care Unit is walk-in only — no appointment is needed. However, it is strongly recommended that you call 250-737-2040 ext. 42227 ahead of your visit to confirm current hours and availability.
What diagnostic services are available at Chemainus Health Care Centre?
The facility offers on-site X-ray, Bone Mineral Density imaging, and laboratory services. Note that lab services are only available Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM (closed 12:00–12:30 PM) and are closed on weekends and statutory holidays. A physician or nurse practitioner requisition is required for all diagnostic tests.
Is there a cost for urgent care services at this facility?
There is no cost for Urgent Care services for patients with a valid BC Services Card or provincial health insurance. Certain other programs, such as Meals on Wheels, have associated fees. Verify any costs by calling 250-737-2040 upon arrival.
Who operates Chemainus Health Care Centre, and what communities does it serve?
Chemainus Health Care Centre is operated by Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority) and serves residents of Chemainus, Crofton, Saltair, and the broader Cowichan Valley region in British Columbia.