With over 86,000 visits expected annually, the Central Nanaimo Urgent and Primary Care Centre promises quicker, safer, and more inclusive care for patients without a family doctor.
A Critical Step Forward in Urgent Care Nanaimo
Starting May 1, the new Central Nanaimo Urgent and Primary Care Centre will begin serving residents at 3260 Norwell Drive. As the second urgent care site in the city, it marks a turning point in the way healthcare is delivered, especially for unattached patients—those without regular access to a family doctor.
Unlike conventional walk-in clinics, this centre uses a triage-first phone system. This ensures that patients are prioritized by medical need rather than arrival time, which not only improves efficiency but also promotes equity in care.
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Why the Central Nanaimo Primary Care Centre Matters
In recent years, Vancouver Island has seen an increasing number of unattached patients. Therefore, this new urgent care Nanaimo facility comes at a crucial time. It’s designed to handle more than 86,000 patient visits per year while connecting over 4,700 people to long-term care providers. Additionally, it relieves pressure on Nanaimo’s first urgent care centre, which has been at full capacity. Read more
With a fully integrated care team, the centre includes:
- 10 family physicians
- 2 nurse practitioners
- 15 registered nurses
- 7 mental health and substance use professionals
- 2 community health workers
- Social workers and cultural support staff
Moreover, it features the Thunderbird Wing, a private, trauma-informed space created in partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation elders. This culturally safe area offers a rare sense of privacy and respect, particularly for marginalized and Indigenous patients.
Urgent Care Nanaimo as a Model for Community Healing
Importantly, the new centre is not just about numbers—it’s about people. Many residents who’ve gone without care for years will now have a place to go without fear or long waits. For instance, those with chronic illnesses or mental health needs will finally receive coordinated attention.
Additionally, community voices like Connie Paul, a Snuneymuxw Nation nurse, have shaped the clinic’s design. She highlights how the Thunderbird Wing restores dignity for patients who’ve previously experienced discomfort or discrimination in public healthcare spaces.
This is not merely healthcare access—it’s a healing ecosystem.
What’s Next for Urgent Care Nanaimo
As staffing and operations ramp up, this facility will likely influence how other communities in BC respond to physician shortages. The use of team-based care, trauma-informed design, and triage-first scheduling reflects a broader shift toward sustainable healthcare models.
Not only will patients benefit from faster treatment, but they’ll also be connected to regular providers for ongoing care—something that improves outcomes over time.
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Conclusion: A Healthcare System That Listens
Ultimately, this new urgent care Nanaimo clinic is more than another medical facility. It’s a bold example of how health systems can evolve when they listen to the people they serve. It integrates technology, compassion, and community wisdom into one essential public resource.
As Nanaimo moves forward, this centre offers a blueprint for what equitable, efficient, and empathetic care should look like—across the island and beyond.
