Finding a Richmond Family Doctor and Patient Care Support
Explore Your Options for Primary Care and Support
Find a Richmond Family Physician (FP) or Nurse Practitioner (NP)
If you’re a Richmond resident in need of a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can register for the patient waitlist through the Richmond Health Connect Registry. When registering, you’ll need to provide the Personal Health Number (PHN), B.C. home address, and contact information for yourself and any family members or others in your care.
You can also update Health Connect Registry contact details by dialing 8-1-1 (7-1-1 for those deaf or hard of hearing). A HealthLink BC health service navigator will ask for the Personal Health Number(s) for each account being updated.
The Richmond Attachment Program (RAP) connects patients who are especially vulnerable and who have urgent needs for longitudinal care (such as mothers and babies, newcomers, and complex care or MHSU patients). The RAP matches them to Division members who have the capacity to accept new patients. RAP referrals are received from VCH Public Health, VCH Home and Community Care, Richmond Hospital, and other Divisions of Family Practice.
Waitlist and Options
The Richmond Health Connect Registry allows patients to request an FP or an NP. Wait times may be shorter for NPs, who are able to provide many of the same services as FPs. Learn more about NPs, and register with the Richmond Health Connect Registry today.
Richmond Family Doctor or Emergency Room? Use THINK: Where for Care
Not sure if you should go to the emergency room, visit an urgent care centre, or book an appointment with your Richmond family doctor? The THINK: Where for Care chart can help you decide. This resource guides Richmond patients through common health concerns and shows whether they’re best managed at home, by your family doctor, urgent care, or emergency care.
This chart is also available in select languages.
Access Free Health Services in Richmond
Eligible Richmond residents can now access free services from different health care professionals as a way to support their family doctor.
To get started, simply book an appointment with your Family Physician (FP) or Nurse Practitioner (NP). Discuss the services that can best support your health needs and ask for an interdisciplinary referral, as your primary care provider can refer you to multiple services at once.
HealthLink BC: 24/7 Health Advice
Call 8-1-1 to speak to a Health Services Navigator who can help you to find health information and services, or can connect you with a Registered Nurse, a Registered Dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a Pharmacist.
How Pharmacists in Richmond Help Your Family Doctor
Pharmacists in British Columbia play an essential role in your healthcare, working alongside your Richmond family doctor to support your health.
In addition to dispensing prescriptions, Richmond pharmacists can:
- Assess and treat 21 minor ailments, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), allergies, pink eye, dermatitis, and nicotine dependence
- Prescribe and dispense birth control
- Renew or adjust certain prescriptions, or provide an emergency supply
- Administer immunizations and injectable medications
- Help you understand and manage your medications and over-the-counter products
- Recommend other healthcare professionals for further assessment when needed
Pathways Medical and Community Services Directories
Pathways offers two valuable resources for patients:
- Pathways Medical Care Directory provides patients with details about health care providers and clinics, enabling them to connect with doctors for care and to stay informed about clinic updates.
- Pathways Community Services Directory provides patients with publicly available programs and services available in communities throughout British Columbia; please select Richmond from the options provided.
Richmond Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC)
Richmond has two Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) for Richmond residents to get same-day care (within 12 to 24 hours) for urgent and non-life threatening health concerns. A UPCC is not an emergency department.
Learn more about UPCCs.
Emergency Department Wait Times
Please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department if you are in need of serious medical attention including experiencing chest pain, severe bleeding or stroke symptoms.
Access Your Health Records Online via the Health Gateway
The provincial Health Gateway service provides secure and convenient access to your health records in British Columbia. View and manage dispensed medications, health visits, COVID-19 test results, immunizations, and more. You can also download and print your Federal Proof of Vacination Certificate (PVC) when needed for international travel.
Log in using your BC Services Card, or follow the prompts to register your account.
Mental Health & Substance Use Support in Richmond
According to the B.C. Chronic Disease Registry, mental health issues are on the rise. Some cities have projected that 30 per cent of their residents will be diagnosed with depression and 36 per cent will be diagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders in their lifetimes. If you are experiencing these, or other mental health challenges, you’re not alone.
Real help is available.
Mental Health & Substance Programs Available for Richmond Residents
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services provides health care services to people with complex needs including severe and persistent mental health and substance use issues.
Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health & Substance Use Resources
Vancouver Coastal Health has created this mental health and substance use services hub for resources throughout the Lower Mainland.
Here2Talk for Students
Virtual counselling service that provides immediate mental health support to students via the Here2Talk app, over the phone, or through online chat.
Foundry Richmond
Foundry Richmond provides a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for young people aged 12 to 24 and their families to find support for their health and wellness needs.
Mind Space Skills for Wellbeing (Formerly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Skills Program)
The Mind Space Skills for Wellbeing, formerly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Skills Group is an eight-week, MSP-funded course designed to provide patients with evidence-based strategies to self-manage depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Patients can join a group with a referral from their Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner, or from a Walk-in Clinic Physician. Groups run on a regular basis.
Bounceback
Bouncback is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ experiencing anxiety and/or mild to moderate depression
Community Support
This section details how your family doctor or nurse practitioner can connect you to a network of local services, from community support and recreation to professional language assistance, all designed to enhance your overall health and well-being.
Community Link Service
Richmond’s new Community Link Service helps connect you to support services throughout the community. Your family physician (FP) or nurse practitioner (NP) can now prescribe non-medical activities and opportunities for connection based on your needs, goals, interests, and skills. The program is designed to boost your physical and emotional wellbeing, social connections, and ability to thrive.
Ask your family physician or nurse practitioner for a referral to Community Link services.
Community Programs and Services
From fitness and recreation to senior services, food supports, and newcomer resources, Richmond has many trusted organizations ready to help. Explore these programs to see how the Richmond Family Practice community and our Primary Care Network partners can support you and your family’s healthcare.
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City of Richmond Activity Guide
Recreation Fee Subsidy
Richmond Cares Richmond Gives
Call 604-279-7020
The Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living
CHIMO
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HandyDART
Call 604-398-2042
Immigration Services Society of BC
SUCCESS
Richmond Food Bank Society
Touchstone Family Association
Call 604-279-5599
Language Support & Interpretation
Language Support for Your Medical Appointments
If you need extra support communicating with your Richmond Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or another member of your care team, you are encouraged to bring a trusted family member or friend to your appointment who can assist with interpretation.
Language Interpretation Services
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) also offers professional language interpretation services in more than 200 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). These services are available 24/7 at no cost to patients and their families. You can request interpretation when booking your next appointment with your family physician, primary care provider, or through the Richmond Primary Care Network (PCN).
For more information or assistance, please contact us to ensure you get the support you need for your visit.
