Connect with a family doc

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The South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family has launched a new waiting list to connect people with family doctors and nurse practitioners. 

Starting now, patients without a primary care provider can add their name to a centralized list, rather than having to call around town to locate a clinic accepting patients. The list can be found here.

The list is a part of the South Okanagan Similkameen Primary Care Network, a partnership between the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice, Interior Health and local First Nations communities. 

Over the next three years, the network will bring more than 20 health care providers to the region. Since May, three new nurse practitioners have been hired to the region as a part of the network.

“While this work doesn’t immediately solve the doctor shortage, we are pleased that our communities are working together to attract new providers to the area, and that patients will have a reliable way to register they are looking for a primary care provider,” says Dr. Jennifer Begin, a family physician in Penticton.

As providers become available, patients on the list will be contacted to set up an initial appointment with a family physician or nurse practitioner. The list is free and for all patients. 

With the exception of the Cascade Medical Centre in Princeton, patients throughout the region that have their names on an individual clinic waitlist should re-register with the centralized version.