Urgent and Primary Care Centres in BC: What They Are and How to Use Them
Quick Answer
Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) are publicly funded healthcare facilities across British Columbia that provide same-day care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as high fevers, minor injuries requiring stitches, infections, and mild breathing difficulties. UPCCs are free with a BC Services Card, require no referral or appointment, and many locations also offer ongoing primary care for patients without a family doctor. To find a UPCC near you, visit the HealthLinkBC directory or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse who can direct you to the most appropriate care.
Last Updated: May 26, 2026
If you're one of the approximately 900,000 British Columbians without a family doctor, or you need same-day care for something that isn't a life-threatening emergency, Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) may be the most useful part of BC's healthcare system that you've never heard of. This guide explains exactly what UPCCs are, what conditions they treat, how they differ from walk-in clinics and emergency rooms, and how to find one near you.
What Is an Urgent and Primary Care Centre?
An Urgent and Primary Care Centre is a publicly funded healthcare facility that provides same-day, urgent, non-emergency care. UPCCs are part of BC's Primary Care Network model, a provincial initiative to reduce pressure on emergency rooms and give unattached patients access to coordinated care without needing a family doctor.
According to the Province of British Columbia, UPCCs are designed to serve patients who require medical attention within 12 to 24 hours, conditions that are too urgent to wait for a scheduled appointment but not serious enough to require an emergency room visit. UPCCs are often open evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays, though exact hours vary by location.
Critically, UPCCs are not just walk-in clinics. Many UPCCs also provide ongoing primary care to patients who are unattached, meaning they don't have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This makes them a meaningful bridge for patients navigating BC's primary care shortage.
What Conditions Do UPCCs Treat?
HealthLink BC lists the following as conditions appropriate for UPCC care:
- High fevers
- Sprains and strains caused by minor accidents and falls
- Minor bleeding or cuts that require stitches
- Minor burns that may require care
- Mild to moderate breathing difficulty or asthma attacks
- Sinus, oral or lung infections
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
- Skin conditions such as rashes or infections
- Minor allergic reactions
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Non-severe new or worsening pain
- New or worsening mental health concerns
This list is not exhaustive. Whether a UPCC is the right setting depends on your specific situation. If you are unsure, call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, who can help you determine the most appropriate level of care.
Important: For life-threatening illnesses or injuries, including symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. UPCCs are not equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies.
UPCC vs. Walk-In Clinic vs. Emergency Room: What's the Difference?
Many patients are unsure which type of facility to use. The table below summarizes the key differences:
| Feature | UPCC | Walk-In Clinic | Emergency Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publicly funded (MSP covered) | Yes | Usually yes | Yes |
| Same-day urgent care | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ongoing primary care for unattached patients | Yes (many locations) | Rarely | No |
| Evening and weekend hours | Often | Varies | Always |
| Team-based care (nurses, social workers, dietitians) | Yes | Rarely | Yes |
| Life-threatening emergencies | No, go to ER | No, go to ER | Yes |
| Referral required | No | No | No |
The key advantage of a UPCC over a standard walk-in clinic is the team-based model. UPCCs typically include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, mental health workers, and sometimes dietitians and pharmacists, all working together. This means a single visit can address multiple health needs that a walk-in clinic would handle separately or not at all.
Who Can Use a UPCC?
Any BC resident with a valid BC Services Card (CareCard) can walk into a UPCC without an appointment or referral. You do not need to be registered with the UPCC in advance, and you do not need a family doctor to refer you.
If you are unattached, meaning you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, many UPCCs can connect you with ongoing primary care or refer you to the Health Connect Registry, BC's provincial system for matching unattached patients with available providers. You can register directly at HealthLink BC's Health Connect Registry page.
How to Find a UPCC Near You
Verified BC UPCC Locations, Hours and Health Authority (2026)
The following UPCCs are confirmed open as of July 2026. Hours are subject to change — verify directly with the clinic or via HealthLink BC before visiting.
| City | UPCC Name | Address | Hours | Health Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Raven Song UPCC | 2450 Ontario St | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Vancouver Coastal Health |
| Vancouver | Grandview Woodland UPCC | 1669 E Broadway | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm | Vancouver Coastal Health |
| Vancouver | Strathcona UPCC | 1669 E Hastings St | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm | Vancouver Coastal Health |
| Surrey | Cloverdale UPCC | 17700 56A Ave | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Fraser Health |
| Surrey | Newton UPCC | 13711 72 Ave | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Fraser Health |
| Burnaby | Burnaby UPCC | 3935 Kincaid St | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Fraser Health |
| Richmond | Richmond UPCC | 7000 Westminster Hwy | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Vancouver Coastal Health |
| Kelowna | Kelowna UPCC | 505 Doyle Ave | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm | Interior Health |
| Victoria | Victoria UPCC | 1947 Cook St | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Island Health |
| Kamloops | Kamloops UPCC | 460 Lansdowne St | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm | Interior Health |
| Prince George | Prince George UPCC | 1200 Westwood Dr | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm | Northern Health |
| Abbotsford | Abbotsford UPCC | 32900 Marshall Rd | Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Fraser Health |
Source: HealthLink BC UPCC directory, July 2026. Hours are approximate — always verify before visiting. Some UPCCs have extended or reduced hours on statutory holidays.
Official directory: healthlinkbc.ca/primary-care/service-type/urgent-and-primary-care-centres
The most reliable way to find a UPCC is through the official HealthLink BC directory. You can search by city, town, health authority region, or clinic name at HealthLink BC's UPCC directory.
UPCCs are located throughout British Columbia, with locations in major urban centres including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Victoria, Kelowna, and Kamloops, as well as smaller communities. Hours of operation vary by location, so it is advisable to check the directory or call ahead before visiting.
If you are unsure whether a UPCC is the right choice for your health concern, call 8-1-1 to speak with a HealthLinkBC registered nurse who can advise you on the most appropriate care setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Urgent and Primary Care Centres free in BC?
Yes, UPCCs are fully covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) for BC residents with a valid BC Services Card. There is no charge to visit a UPCC for urgent care services. If you do not have a BC Services Card, you may still receive care but could be billed directly.
Do I need an appointment to go to a UPCC?
No appointment is required. UPCCs accept walk-in patients for same-day urgent care. Some UPCCs also offer scheduled appointments for ongoing primary care services, but for urgent health concerns, you can simply walk in during operating hours.
Can I get a family doctor through a UPCC?
Many UPCCs provide ongoing primary care attachment for patients without a family doctor. If a UPCC cannot attach you directly, they can refer you to the Health Connect Registry, BC's provincial system for connecting unattached patients with available family doctors and nurse practitioners.
What is the difference between a UPCC and a walk-in clinic?
UPCCs offer team-based care that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and mental health workers, whereas walk-in clinics typically have only a physician. UPCCs can also provide ongoing primary care for unattached patients, while most walk-in clinics offer only episodic care without continuity.
Are UPCCs open on weekends and holidays in BC?
Many UPCCs in BC are open evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays, though hours vary by location. Check the HealthLinkBC directory or call 8-1-1 to confirm hours for a specific UPCC before visiting.
Can I go to a UPCC for mental health concerns?
Yes, UPCCs treat new or worsening mental health concerns as part of their scope of care. Many UPCCs have mental health workers and social workers on their care teams who can provide support, assessment, and referrals to specialized services if needed.
Should I go to a UPCC or the emergency room?
Go to a UPCC for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as high fevers, minor injuries, infections, or mild breathing difficulties. Go to an emergency room or call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, or major trauma.
How long is the wait time at a UPCC?
Wait times at UPCCs vary depending on patient volume and the urgency of your condition. Patients are typically triaged by acuity, meaning more urgent cases are seen first. Calling ahead or checking with the specific UPCC may provide an estimate of current wait times.
Health Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. For health information and advice, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1.