Partnering in Your Health: How to Make the Most of Your Doctor’s Visit
Maintaining good health is a partnership between you and your doctor—learn how to prepare for appointments, communicate effectively, and and stay proactive in your care
Finding a Family Doctor
Right now, Family Doctors and Nurse Practitioners in our community aren’t able to take on new patients due to limited capacity. However, you can join the Health Connect Registry to be placed on a waitlist. When a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner becomes available, patients are contacted in the order they joined the list.
How to Register for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
Sign up on the Health Connect Registry to be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your area as soon as space opens up.
Other Ways to Find Care
The following search directories are helpful for people looking for health services in our community.
HealthLink BC Directory
The HealthLink BC Directory provides listings for health services provided by the provincial government, provincial health authorities, and non-profit agencies across the province. You can search for walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals, mental health programs, home care programs, pharmacy services, laboratory services, and more.
For help searching the directory, call 8-1-1 any time of the day, any day of the week to speak with a health service navigator.
Pathways Medical Care Directory
The Pathways Medical Care Directory helps people find healthcare services, including family doctors, walk-in clinics, urgent care, mental health support, and maternity care.
Use Pathways to search for in-person, telephone, or video care options, find clinic updates, locate nurse practitioners and midwives, or find a local walk-in clinic. Whether you have a family doctor or need to find care today, Pathways helps you access the right services in our community.
Shuswap Saturday Clinic
The Shuswap Saturday Clinic provides urgent medical care in Salmon Arm and surrounding communities
The Saturday Clinic was launched to help meet the healthcare needs in Salmon Arm and surrounding communities and reduce congestion at the Shuswap Lake Hospital Emergency Department. This same-day-access clinic is operated by local family doctors providing urgent care in Salmon Arm and surrounding areas for non-life-threatening health concerns.
Shuswap Saturday Clinic Details
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (varies based on staffing)
Location: Rotates between different medical clinics each Saturday, check the website to find out which clinic to go to.
Appointments: Walk-in only, first come, first served
Contact: Do not call clinics directly—appointments are only available in person on Saturday.
Who Should Visit the Clinic?
People needing same-day urgent care for minor illnesses or injuries
Those without a family doctor in Salmon Arm or surrounding areas
Individuals looking for a clinic with same-day availability, no appointment necessary
Important Information
-
If you have a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner, please try to book with them first.
-
For medical emergencies, including chest pain, call 911 immediately.
Hospitals
Health Resources
Vernon Urgent & Primary Care Centre
The Vernon UPCC provides team-based care for non-emergency health concerns that require same-day attention. If you have a minor illness or injury, such as a sprain, infection, high fever, or skin condition, and cannot see your family doctor or nurse practitioner, the UPCC can help. A dedicated healthcare team—including family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and mental health clinicians—works together to provide the care you need.
Patients are seen by appointment only. To book, call 250-541-1097 to speak with a registered nurse, who will schedule your appointment based on medical urgency, not the time of your call. If you need immediate emergency care, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Location: 3105 28th Avenue Vernon BC, V1T 8Y4
Watch this video to learn when to get care at an Urgent & Primary Care Centre:
Quick Links
Primary Care Network
%20(1).png)
The Shuswap North Okanagan Primary Care Network is a community-based healthcare network that connects residents with team-based primary care services. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our region—including those in Vernon, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Armstrong, Enderby, Lumby, Sorrento, Splatsin, and the Okanagan Indian Band communities—has access to the care they need.
What is a Primary Care Network?
A Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of family doctors, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals working together to improve access to care in a specific region. The Shuswap North Okanagan PCN includes:
-
Family Doctors & Nurse Practitioners
-
Registered Nurses & Pharmacists
-
Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists
-
Social Workers & Registered Dietitians
The Shuswap North Okanagan PCN operates in four network areas (nodes):
-
Vernon (including Lumby & Armstrong)
-
Salmon Arm (including Sicamous, Sorrento & Enderby)
-
Splatsin
-
Okanagan Indian Band communities
We are committed to building a stronger, more connected healthcare system for all residents in the region.
Our Community
Shuswap Intergenerational Choir
The Shuswap Intergenerational Choir brings together singers aged 7-17 and 70+ to share the joy of music and build connections across generations—no musical training required! Joining is free and open to new members in these age groups, and feel free to bring a friend along who meets the age criteria.
Led by choir director Andréa Roberts, the choir is a welcoming, inclusive space where voices of all ages come together in harmony. Singing is not only a powerful way to connect but also has proven benefits for mental health and well-being.
Join us and experience the magic of intergenerational singing!
