Browse Categories: Medical & Health

Call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse, pharmacist, or dietitian for free health advice, information, and referrals anywhere in British Columbia.

Major downtown hospital providing emergency care, cardiac services, HIV and infectious disease care, mental health treatment, and specialized medical services. Operated by Providence Health Care.

Central intake phone line that connects Vancouver residents to community health services including home support, rehabilitation, nursing services, and case management. Staff help determine eligibility and arrange appropriate healthcare services.

Major tertiary care hospital and trauma centre serving Vancouver and the broader region. Vancouver General Hospital provides emergency care, specialized surgeries, cancer care, cardiac services, neurological treatment, and a wide range of outpatient clinics.

Specialized hospital providing comprehensive women’s health care, including emergency and urgent treatment for gynecological issues, severe pain, infections, bleeding, and other complex conditions. Senior women can receive assessment, diagnostic testing, and treatment, as well as referrals to specialists for ongoing care such as menopause management, pelvic health, and chronic conditions. Services are inclusive of transgender and gender-diverse patients who require women’s health care.

Province-wide program operated by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) that helps trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people in British Columbia access gender-affirming health care. The program provides information, education, and health-system navigation for individuals seeking services such as hormone therapy, surgical care, mental health support, and legal document changes. Health navigators help people understand care pathways, locate gender-affirming doctors and counsellors, and connect with peer support and community resources.

The Fraser Health Patient Care Quality Office helps address concerns about care received through Fraser Health services, including hospitals, clinics, and community health programs across the region. If you’ve experienced care that felt unclear, concerning, or didn’t meet expectations, you can contact them to have your situation reviewed. They can help look into what happened, provide explanations, and work with care teams to improve communication or resolve concerns. It’s a helpful step when you want your experience to be reviewed and better understood. If you’ve already contacted the PCQO and feel your concerns were not fully addressed, you can take the next step by contacting the Patient Care Quality Review Board. Website: patientcarequalityreviewboard.ca Phone: 1-866-952-2448 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm)

Nonprofit delivering home care, nursing, and community living support across Metro Vancouver for seniors and people with disabilities. Services include contracted home support, licensed practical nurse visits, home-share and supported housing programs, and a community living program that helps people connect with community activities. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, with a 24-hour phone line for emergency client support. Call to ask about eligibility and how to start a service.

Phone service that helps you understand and manage your provincial health coverage through the Medical Services Plan (MSP). You can call for help applying for coverage, updating your personal information, replacing a lost or expired BC Services Card, or checking what medical services are covered. It’s especially useful if you have questions about your coverage, need help completing forms, or want to make sure everything is set up correctly before a medical appointment. Speaking with someone directly can make it much easier to sort out paperwork and avoid delays in accessing care.

Walk-in clinic for same-day care for urgent but not life-threatening health problems, such as minor injuries, infections, and sudden pain. No appointment is needed and no referral is required, but the centre may stop taking new patients before closing time if it is busy. Bring a BC Services Card if available. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital emergency department instead.

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) Patient Care Quality Office helps address concerns about care received through specialized provincial services, including BC Cancer, BC Children’s Hospital, BC Women’s Hospital, and other provincial programs. If you’ve had an experience that raised questions or concerns, you can contact them to have your situation reviewed. They can help look into issues, provide clarification, and work with care providers to improve communication or resolve concerns. It’s a useful option when you want your experience reviewed at the provincial level. You can also set up an in-person appointment at their 1333 West Broadway office, call or email to book an appointment. If you’ve already contacted the PCQO and feel your concerns were not fully addressed, you can take the next step by contacting the Patient Care Quality Review Board. Website: patientcarequalityreviewboard.ca Phone: 1-866-952-2448 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm)

The Providence Health Care Patient Care Quality Office helps address concerns about care received through Providence facilities, including St. Paul’s Hospital and other Providence-run programs. If you’ve had a healthcare experience that didn’t feel right or left you with unanswered questions, you can contact them to have your concerns reviewed. They can help look into issues, provide clarification, and work with care providers to improve communication or resolve concerns. It’s a useful option when you want your experience acknowledged and followed up on. If you’ve already contacted the PCQO and feel your concerns were not fully addressed, you can take the next step by contacting the Patient Care Quality Review Board. Website: patientcarequalityreviewboard.ca Phone: 1-866-952-2448 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm)

Walk-in clinic for same-day care for urgent but not life-threatening health problems, such as minor injuries, infections, and sudden pain. No appointment is needed and no referral is required, but the last patient is usually accepted about an hour before closing. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital emergency department instead.

Walk-in clinic for same-day care of urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns, such as infections, minor injuries, or sudden worsening symptoms. No appointment is needed, but the clinic may stop accepting new patients earlier in the day when busy. Free with a BC Services Card. Open daily, including statutory holidays.

Help for Vancouver residents who need a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Register for free on the province's Health Connect Registry, which matches people with a primary care provider in their community. Call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) any time for help registering, including in languages other than English. The page also lists interim options such as walk-in clinics, Urgent and Primary Care Centres, and community pharmacists while waiting for a match.

The Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Patient Care Quality Office helps address concerns about care received through VCH services, including hospitals, clinics, and community health programs such as Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), UBC Hospital, and community health centres. If you’ve had an experience that felt confusing, concerning, or didn’t meet expectations, you can contact them to have your situation reviewed. They can help look into what happened, clarify information, and work with care teams to improve communication or resolve concerns. It’s a helpful option when you want your experience to be heard and better understood. If you’ve already contacted the VCH PCQO and feel your concerns were not fully addressed, you can take the next step by contacting the Patient Care Quality Review Board. Website: patientcarequalityreviewboard.ca Phone: 1-866-952-2448 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm)

Lends wheelchairs, walkers, bath seats, commodes, and other home health equipment on a short-term basis to people in Metro Vancouver. The program runs on donations, so there is no rental fee. A referral from a doctor, occupational therapist, or physiotherapist is required before equipment can be borrowed. Call to arrange a referral and a pick-up time.

BC regional office of March of Dimes Canada, supporting people with disabilities, stroke survivors, and people with acquired brain injuries across the province. Programs include aphasia and communication support, attendant care, home and vehicle modification funding, stroke survivor support, and accessibility services for employers. Call to find out which program fits and how to apply, since each program has its own eligibility rules. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

National nonprofit helping adults with disabilities use technology and find work. Programs include free one-on-one computer tutoring (Computer Comfort), an Assistive Technology Help Desk, device adaptations through Makers Making Change, and job-search support such as Group Employment Skills and the Job Focus program. Most services are free and available by phone, online, or at the Burnaby office. Call or visit the website to find out which program fits.

Indigenous-led health and social services organization in the Downtown Eastside, formerly known as Vancouver Native Health Society. Runs a primary care clinic, a low-barrier dental clinic, and cultural and family programs for urban Indigenous people and other Downtown Eastside residents. The primary care clinic was not accepting new patients as of October 2026, call first to check current availability. Services are free for eligible BC Medical Services Plan clients, call the main office or the specific program to find out how to access it.

Free exercise and wellness program for people living with chronic brain conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, or brain injury, their care partners, and healthy older adults, based at UBC's Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. Offers online and in-person exercise classes, creative classes, and care-partner workshops. No experience needed. Register through the website or call to find a class.

Provincial public health agency that tracks and helps prevent disease, with information on immunizations such as flu and shingles vaccines, communicable diseases, and environmental health. Operates specialized walk-in clinics for sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis in Vancouver. Health information is free. Call for general inquiries or see the website for clinic locations and hours.

Non-medical support that helps older adults in BC stay living independently, with priority given to those with lower income, social isolation, frailty, or who belong to underserved senior communities, including immigrant, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors. Typical help includes grocery shopping, transportation to appointments, light housekeeping, minor home repairs, and friendly visiting. Fees are set on an income-based sliding scale, so the service is often free for seniors with lower incomes. Contact the Better at Home provider in your own neighbourhood to ask about eligibility, since each one manages its own intake. Vancouver providers include: West End Seniors Network (WESN) - Barclay Manor and Gordon Neighbourhood House and Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House and Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House and Marpole Neighbourhood House and South Vancouver Neighbourhood House.

National nonprofit with a British Columbia office in Vancouver, providing information and support for people affected by cancer and their families. Offers the free Cancer Information Line for questions about cancer and treatment, a peer support phone-matching program with trained volunteer survivors and caregivers, and help with transportation to treatment appointments. Call 1-888-939-3333, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Community health centre in the Downtown Eastside offering primary care, harm reduction, and community-based health services.

Certified exercise, education and falls-prevention program for people with osteoporosis, low bone density, mobility difficulties, or risk of fractures and falls. Developed by BC Women Hospital Osteoporosis Program and offered at community and seniors centres across BC, including several in Vancouver. No physician referral is required, but anyone 65 or older, or with specific medical conditions, may need medical clearance, checked by the instructor at the first class. Fees vary by location. Contact the community centre directly to register, or call 604-875-2555 for help finding a class.

Vancouver Coastal Health community health centre serving the Kerrisdale, Dunbar-Southlands, Arbutus Ridge and Oakridge areas. Offers home health and home care access, addiction counselling, public health nursing, mental health support, and wellness programs. Self-referral is accepted for many services, and care is free for BC residents with provincial health coverage. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, with evening nursing service available until 9pm.

Provides a wide range of support services for people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, including support groups, education, and one-on-one assistance. Offers counselling and healthcare navigation to help individuals understand their diagnosis, access appropriate care, and manage changes over time. Also provides exercise programs, virtual physiotherapy, and practical resources to support mobility, communication, and daily living.

Community health centre in Mount Pleasant where several Vancouver Coastal Health programs share one building. Services include a primary care clinic, home health, adult and child mental health and substance use teams, and public health (immunizations, communicable disease). Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, closed weekends and statutory holidays. Call the main line or check the website to reach the specific program needed.

Community health centre in South Vancouver where several Vancouver Coastal Health programs share one building, including home health, immunization clinics, sexual health clinics, and independent-living support. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, closed weekends and statutory holidays. Call the main line or check the website for the specific program needed.

Community health centre providing primary care, rehabilitation services, seniors programs, mental health support, and chronic disease management. Three Bridges also operates specialized programs including gender-affirming healthcare and services for transgender and gender diverse individuals. The centre focuses on accessible, integrated healthcare and community support for residents of downtown Vancouver.

Teaching hospital affiliated with UBC providing specialized medical care including geriatrics, rehabilitation, and surgical services.

Public health programs run by Vancouver Coastal Health at community health centres across the region, including several in Vancouver. Offers immunization clinics, sexual health clinics, and communicable disease control support for people of all ages. Free, no doctor's referral needed. Visit the website to find the nearest location, its hours, and phone number.

Provincial Crown corporation that funds and coordinates supports for adults 19 and older with a developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder who need significant daily help. Supports can include residential options, employment help, family support, and community participation programs, delivered through local offices and funded community agencies. There is no cost to apply. Contact the local office or call the main line to start the Welcome and Planning process and check eligibility.

Advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across BC. Helps individuals and families with self-advocacy and navigating systems like education, housing, and employment, and campaigns for policy change at the provincial level. Call ahead to book an appointment before visiting the New Westminster office. A separate advocacy phone line is also available.

Accessible parking permits for people with mobility limitations, issued by SPARC BC on behalf of the province. The permit can be used whether the holder is driving or riding as a passenger, and does not require owning a vehicle. A medical professional with a valid MSP number must sign the application form, available online or by mail, and there is a $31 processing fee (hardship assistance is available for those who cannot pay it). Permanent permits last three years and are renewable; temporary permits last one to twelve months and need a new application to extend.

Helpline for Indigenous people in BC who have experienced racism or discrimination in health care. Callers can share what happened, get help understanding and filing a complaint, and get support accessing their health records. Free and confidential. Call 1-888-600-3078 or email addressing_racism@gov.bc.ca.

Free support for people in BC living with chronic pain, and their families, including a Pain Support Line by phone or text. The Pain Support Line offers one-on-one emotional support, information, and help finding resources with a trained support worker. Also offers self-guided tools such as LivePlanBe+, an online pain management education program, and Gentle Movement at Home, a series of guided exercise videos, plus peer support and skill-building resources. Call the support line Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, or text Monday to Thursday 1pm-8pm.

Support organization for people living with ALS and their families across British Columbia. Offers a free equipment loan program for mobility and care devices, support groups, counselling, and educational resources about living with ALS. Call, email, or use the patient registration form on the website to connect with a regional coordinator.

Free support for people living with arthritis and their families from Arthritis Society Canada (formerly The Arthritis Society), which has a British Columbia and Yukon office in Vancouver. Offers online support groups, education programs, and the toll-free Arthritis Line for information and referrals. Call the Vancouver office or the Arthritis Line to connect with a program.

Provincial organization connecting brain injury survivors, caregivers, and professionals to information, an online directory of support groups, and community resources across British Columbia. No cost to use. Search the online directory by region, or contact by phone or email for help finding support.

Specialist clinic for people in BC living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or related endocrine disorders. A care team including physicians and case managers helps with blood sugar management, medication, and lifestyle changes, with virtual or in-person appointments available. New patients can self-refer through the website or ask a family doctor for a referral. Call 604-683-3734 (toll-free 1-888-874-9333), Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm.

Nonprofit organization focused on lung health, air quality, and tobacco control in British Columbia. Offers lung disease information covering COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and more, plus in-person support groups and exercise programs for people living with lung conditions. Call or visit the website for information, resources, or to find a support group.

National charity providing information, online peer communities, and recovery resources for people living with heart disease or stroke, and their caregivers. Offers health education on prevention, risk factors, and recovery, plus referrals to other provincial and national support organizations. Not a source of personal medical advice. Contact a doctor or other healthcare professional for that. Free to use. Call the information line or visit the website for resources.

BC and Yukon branch of a national charity supporting people living with kidney disease and their families. Offers peer support one-on-one and in groups, an online forum, support for people newly diagnosed, educational webinars and handbooks, and the Kidney Car transportation service for patients travelling to treatment. The Living Organ Donor Expense Reimbursement Program helps cover costs for living kidney donors. Free to use. Staff work remotely, so contact by phone or email rather than visiting in person.

Personal emergency response service for people who want help available at the press of a button. A wearable pendant or wrist button connects to a 24/7 monitoring centre, and some devices can detect falls automatically. Lifeline, by Philips, is a paid monthly subscription - call to ask about pricing and setup. Vancouver seniors leaving hospital may qualify for a free device and monitoring through the Lifelines for Seniors program, run by Vancouver Firefighter Charities via the STAT Centre at UBC Hospital - ask a hospital discharge planner about a referral.

National nonprofit providing information, resources, and a toll-free help line for people affected by liver disease and their families. The Patient and Peer Support Network connects people with others who have similar experiences with liver disease. Call the toll-free help line for information, or visit the website for education resources and local events.

Community health centre providing integrated healthcare including primary care, chronic disease management, mental health support, and social services. Focuses on accessible care for vulnerable populations.

National charity, now branded MS Canada, providing support, education and advocacy for people living with multiple sclerosis and their families, across BC and Yukon. Offers one-on-one and group peer support, wellness and education programs, an equipment fund, and advocacy on issues like disability insurance and human rights. Free to use. The organization no longer keeps a walk-in BC office. The closest physical office is in Victoria, open limited hours, so contact by phone or online.

National charity providing support, education and advocacy for people living with neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy, and for their families, including in BC. A regional support specialist for BC and Yukon offers emotional support, education sessions, and referrals, reached at 1-800-567-2873 extension 4304. A separate equipment funding program helps cover the cost of mobility equipment and assistive devices. Free to use. Contact by phone or email, as there is no walk-in BC office.

National charity providing education, resources and peer support for people living with osteoporosis or at risk of fractures, and for their families. A toll-free support line connects callers with trained volunteer counsellors who answer questions and point people to local resources, including support groups. The line and resources are free to use. Call Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time, or visit the website for self-guided information.

Peer support and recovery programs for people recovering from stroke, including help with communication, memory, and other cognitive changes. Offers in-person community groups and virtual programs across BC, plus support for caregivers adjusting to changes after a stroke. Register for a program online through the website. Phone and email are for general questions only, with a reply within 10 business days.

Clinic at UBC where pharmacist clinicians provide medication reviews, minor ailment and contraceptive care, and injections. Helpful for people managing several medications or chronic conditions. By appointment only, book online or call ahead. Does not fill prescriptions. Open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm; closed weekends and statutory holidays.

Vancouver office of March of Dimes Canada, a national charity for people with disabilities. Helps adults with disabilities find and keep jobs through employment services, and partners with After Stroke BC to support stroke survivors and people with acquired brain injuries. Services are free and by appointment only. Call to book an appointment. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Private home care agency providing in-home support for seniors in Metro Vancouver, including Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and other nearby areas. Offers personal care, 24/7 live-in care, dementia and Alzheimer care, overnight care, post-surgery recovery, palliative and hospice support, and medication reminders. Fee-for-service. A free in-home assessment is available before care starts. Call the phone line, available 24/7, or request an assessment through the website.

Safe way for First Nations and Indigenous people in BC to give feedback or make a complaint about harm or problems in health care, including FNHA-run services, external providers such as hospitals, and FNHA-funded community health centres and PharmaCare. Staff help explain options, including culturally grounded ways to address harm, and help navigate the Health Authority Patient Care Quality process. Feedback can stay anonymous. Free. Call 1-844-935-1044 or email Quality@fnha.ca.

Private home care agency offering non-medical and nursing support for seniors: companionship, personal care, hygiene, mobility assistance, medication reminders, and post-hospital recovery care. Call for a free care consultation. Fee-for-service; some care plans may qualify for insurance coverage.