The Virtual Clinic is for people, with medical concerns, who are physically located in the Northern Health region. The clinic is made up of doctors, nurse practitoners, nurses, mental health clinicians, a social worker and a physiotherapist.
Before you call the Virtual clinic, please call your family doctor or nurse practitioner or go to the urgent and primary care centre in your community.
Connect with the Virtual Clinic 10:00 am - 10:00 pm PST 7 days a week
- Press 1: To book an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner
- Press 2: For mental health or substance use support
- Press 3: If you are calling from a providers office, primary care team, or pharmacy.
- Preparing for your appointment
- Follow-up after your appointment
- Services and forms
- Reasons to call the Virtual Clinic
- NH Virtual Substance Use Clinic (NHVSUC)
- Contact details
What if I need health care services right away?
In an emergency, go to the emergency department or call 9-1-1 (or local emergency services in your community) or call 8-1-1 (About 8-1-1).
Questions?
If I cannot get an appointment with my family doctor or nurse practitioner, can I call the Virtual Clinic?
Yes, the Virtual Clinic provides services to all patients in every Northern community. We encourage you to call your family doctor or nurse practitioner first to see when they have an appointment available.
What if I do not have a computer or access to the internet?
You can connect with the doctor or nurse practitioner using just your phone (mobile or landline).
How long will you have to wait on the phone?
Wait times depend on the volume of calls. Typical wait times can be up to 15 - 20 minutes, especially at the beginning of the week and/or earlier in the day.
Can a family member or friend attend the virtual appointment with me?
Yes, just like a regular appointment with your health care provider, a family member or friend is welcome to join you.
You also have the option for three-way calling. This means a support person (family, friend, or support worker) can join the appointment from another location.
Can I still meet with my health care provider in person?
Absolutely! This is your choice. You can schedule a face-to-face appointment with your health care provider at any time. You can also call the Virtual Clinic but continue to see your regular health care provider when they are available.
Is there a cost associated with my appointment?
There will be a cost for forms to be filled out (if they meet virtual care criteria), sick notes, clients who do not have BC Medical coverage.
The Northern Health Virtual Clinic health care providers are not available for in-person appointments. If you need in-person care and you call the Virtual Clinic, you will be directed to contact your family doctor if the visit can wait, or an urgent and primary care centre or emergency department.
How is my privacy protected?
Your personal information is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The Virtual Clinic uses encryption technology to the same level of protection as that provided by your bank. Only those in your circle of care will see your personal health information. This is made up of doctors and other care providers, departments, or facilities in Northern Health who are directly involved in your care.
Is it confidential and safe for me to talk about substance use when I call this line?
Yes, the reason the team are asking about substance use is to help connect you to a service that can help meet your needs and/or goals. The Virtual Clinic can help connect you to Opioid Agonist Therapy services or safer pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs.
How do I get connected with a family doctor or Nurse Practitioner?
The Virtual Clinic will work to connect you with a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your community if you do not have one. You can also search for a family doctor or nurse practitioner on by the follow:
- Health Connect Registry
- Contact Health Connect Registry, Prince George or by using the 8-1-1 toll-free number (If you are hearing impaired, call 7-1-1.). You will be able to speak to a health service navigator who can provide you with information about finding a family doctor in your own community. For example, some communities have services (delivered through the local Divisions of Family Practice) that can help to connect you with a doctor who is taking in new patients. The health service navigator can also provide information about walk-in clinics in your area that may be able to provide ongoing care for you or your family member.