Health care in Prince George: hospital and urgent care
UHNBC hospital emergency and lab hours, the Urgent and Primary Care Centre for same-day care, 8-1-1, finding a family doctor and MSP in Prince George.
Updated
At a glance
- Life-threatening emergency: call 9-1-1 or go to UHNBC emergency, 1475 Edmonton Street (250-565-2000).
- Urgent but not an emergency: the Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Parkwood Place (250-645-6900) is open 7 days.
- Not sure? Call 8-1-1 to talk to a nurse any time, day or night.
- No family doctor? Register with the provincial Health Connect Registry.
- Northern Health runs hospital and public health services across northern BC.
Health care in Prince George is delivered mostly by Northern Health, the health authority for northern BC, plus family doctors, pharmacies and community agencies. Prince George is the region’s medical hub, so patients from across the north come here for specialist care.
Where to go
| Situation | Where |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening (chest pain, stroke signs, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, overdose) | Call 9-1-1 or go to UHNBC Emergency |
| Urgent, needs care within 12 to 24 hours | Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) |
| Not sure how serious it is | Call 8-1-1 to talk to a nurse, 24/7 |
| Minor ailments, prescription renewals | Your pharmacist (BC pharmacists can prescribe for many minor ailments) |
| Ongoing care, checkups, referrals | Your family doctor or nurse practitioner |
University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC)
1475 Edmonton Street · Main line 250-565-2000
UHNBC is the largest acute care hospital in northern BC, a teaching hospital and a hub for specialized services. It runs the city’s 24-hour emergency department.
Useful numbers from Northern Health:
- Health records: 250-565-2504
- Lab: 250-565-2397 (weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and statutory holidays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Christmas Day, Labour Day and Good Friday, per Northern Health’s lab page; its hospital page lists longer hours, so call to confirm)
Parking: there’s a time-limited, plate-registered street parking zone around the hospital. See parking.
Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC)
143-1600 15th Avenue (Parkwood Place) · 250-645-6900
- Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed Christmas Day
The UPCC is not an emergency room. It sees people with fevers, sprains, minor cuts and burns, mild asthma, infections, stomach problems, rashes, urinary pain, and new or worsening mental health concerns. You’ll be triaged by a nurse and seen by urgency, not in order of arrival. Depending on your needs, you might be seen that day, booked for the next day, referred elsewhere, or sent to UHNBC. You don’t need to line up before it opens.
8-1-1: HealthLink BC
Dial 8-1-1 any time to speak with a registered nurse. You can also reach a pharmacist or a dietitian. It’s free, and translation is available in many languages. The HealthLink BC website has a symptom checker and health information you can trust.
Finding a family doctor
Like much of BC, Prince George has more people looking for a family doctor than there are openings.
- Register on the Health Connect Registry through HealthLink BC, online or by calling 8-1-1. Register everyone in your household.
- In the meantime, use the UPCC, your pharmacist and 8-1-1.
- Ask local clinics directly if they’re taking new patients. Some post openings on their websites.
MSP: provincial health coverage
New BC residents must enrol in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). There’s normally a waiting period before coverage starts (check the Province’s MSP page for the current rule), so apply as soon as you arrive. Get private travel or bridging insurance for the gap. After enrolling you’ll get a BC Services Card. See moving to Prince George.
Mental health and substance use
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
| Line | Number |
|---|---|
| Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text) | 9-8-8 |
| Northern BC 24-hour Crisis Line | 250-563-1214 or 1-888-562-1214 |
| BC Mental Health Support Line | 310-6789 (no area code) |
| 1-800-SUICIDE | 1-800-784-2433 |
| Northern BC Youth Support Line | 1-888-564-8336 (text 250-564-8336, 4–10 p.m.) |
The crisis lines above are run by the Crisis Prevention, Intervention and Information Centre for Northern BC, based in Prince George, together with provincial and national services. The UPCC can also connect you with mental health and substance use clinicians. For more community resources, see community support.
Seniors’ care
Northern Health operates or funds several long-term care and assisted living homes in Prince George, including Gateway Lodge, Jubilee Lodge (at UHNBC), Parkside Care, Rainbow Lodge, Simon Fraser Lodge, Laurier Manor and Birchview Residences, plus Hospice House (3089 Clapperton Street). Access usually starts with an assessment through Northern Health’s home and community care program. See seniors and accessibility.
Public health
Northern Health’s public health teams deliver immunizations, communicable disease follow-up, and restaurant and personal service inspections. Your drinking water is chlorinated to Northern Health guidelines (see water and sewer).
First Nations and Métis health
Indigenous people can access programs through the First Nations Health Authority and local organizations such as the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.
Related: emergency numbers and urgent care hours, emergency services and alerts, community support. Find local family doctors and clinics, pharmacies and dentists in the directory.
Common questions
Where is the hospital in Prince George?
The University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) is at 1475 Edmonton Street. The main line is 250-565-2000. It’s the largest acute care hospital in northern BC and a teaching hospital.
Is there a walk-in clinic in Prince George?
The Prince George Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) at 143-1600 15th Avenue in Parkwood Place provides same-day urgent care that isn’t an emergency. It’s open weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients are triaged by urgency, not arrival order. Phone 250-645-6900.
How do I find a family doctor in Prince George?
Register yourself and your family on the provincial Health Connect Registry through HealthLink BC, online or by calling 8-1-1. You’ll be contacted when a family doctor or nurse practitioner is available.
Should I go to the UPCC or the ER?
The UPCC handles problems that need care within 12 to 24 hours, such as fevers, sprains, minor cuts, infections and rashes. Go to UHNBC emergency or call 9-1-1 for chest pain, broken bones, head injuries, severe bleeding, trouble breathing or suspected overdose. If you’re unsure, call 8-1-1.
What mental health crisis lines are available in Prince George?
Call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline). The Northern BC Crisis Line is 250-563-1214 or 1-888-562-1214, and 310-6789 (no area code) is BC’s mental health support line. All are free.
Sources
Official links
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