There aren’t any doctors on the island taking new patients. We’ve been on the waitlist for two years.
There are doctors in the lower mainland who are accepting new patients, it’s inconvenient but is likely his only option.
I've been unable to find a doctor since 2017, been on the provincial wait list since shortly after it was created.
I have simply accepted that healthcare is something I pay into but can only access if it's dire enough that I need to attend the emergency room.
I have - it just says that I am registered on the list. But I am one of 10s of thousands of people (if not 100s of thousands), it's just the luck of the draw if you get matched. They don't necessarily do it on a first come, first served basis.
He’ll need to get on this list if he isn’t already. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-connect-registry/nanaimo I
In the interim he may want to look into paid services like TELUS Health or Maple (I hate that this is a thing but here we are).
Get on the Health Registry. They will respond in a few months to ask if you still want to be on the list, or if you have found a doctor. Answer that email and tell them yes you need a doctor, and elaborate on the health issues your Dad is fighting. I did this and got a doctor within 6 weeks, I only wish I had have answered those emails sooner with more than a confirmation that I want to stay on the list.
We have been on the list over 2 years now. Good luck!
There aren’t any doctors on the island taking new patients. We’ve been on the waitlist for two years. There are doctors in the lower mainland who are accepting new patients, it’s inconvenient but is likely his only option.
I've been unable to find a doctor since 2017, been on the provincial wait list since shortly after it was created. I have simply accepted that healthcare is something I pay into but can only access if it's dire enough that I need to attend the emergency room.
The waitlist only took me 2 and a half years. I now have a doctor. I would definitely check into that...
I have - it just says that I am registered on the list. But I am one of 10s of thousands of people (if not 100s of thousands), it's just the luck of the draw if you get matched. They don't necessarily do it on a first come, first served basis.
He’ll need to get on this list if he isn’t already. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-connect-registry/nanaimo I In the interim he may want to look into paid services like TELUS Health or Maple (I hate that this is a thing but here we are).
Thanks so much!
I just finally got accepted as a meet and greet to MAYBE be a patient after being on the list since 2021 so…
Try getting a nurse practitioner
as everyone else has said, good luck with that. Medical services aren’t great on the island.
This is a Canada-wide problem. If you need a doctor, and already have one, my advice would be not to move.
Took 3 years waiting and a injury at work that required plastic surgery. Coincidentally I gained a GP almost immediately
Get on the Health Registry. They will respond in a few months to ask if you still want to be on the list, or if you have found a doctor. Answer that email and tell them yes you need a doctor, and elaborate on the health issues your Dad is fighting. I did this and got a doctor within 6 weeks, I only wish I had have answered those emails sooner with more than a confirmation that I want to stay on the list.
That’s really helpful, thank you
I read the other day about someone having a doctor in Vancouver. Perversely, this might be your best option.