Richmond’s second urgent, primary care centre to open

A second urgent and primary care centre in Richmond is opening its doors next week.

The Richmond East centre, located at 95-10551 Shellbridge Way, will begin operating on Tuesday, April 2.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says this UPCC will provide locals with more access to health care within their community.

“This UPCC will also help attach patients to a primary care provider and reduce their need to visit the local hospital emergency department,” he said Thursday.

The UPCC will provide people with care for non-life-threatening conditions that require attention within 12 to 24 hours. The Richmond East centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays for urgent care.

The province says this comes before a new family practice clinic is set to open in the coming months. According to the B.C. government, the Shellbridge Family Practice “will provide longitudinal primary care services within the UPCC.”

When it is fully operating, the services at the centre will have over 36 full-time equivalent health-care workers, as well as support staff.

The province says it collaborated with Coast Salish artist Kelly Cannell from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation to create a “culturally safe space and a welcoming environment.”

Cannell painted a large mural in on the walls of the waiting area called Legends of the Land and Sea.

The B.C. government says the total capital cost of the centre is estimated to be $9.4 million.