Primary Health Services
At the Galiano Island Health Care Centre, we understand the importance of timely access to medical care, both for urgent medical issues and routine primary care needs. The primary care providers strive to respond promptly to urgent medical issues by offering same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible, even if that means squeezing them into our schedule between routine appointments.
We also understand that major medical emergencies can disrupt scheduled primary care appointments. Providers must prioritize these emergencies and attend to them immediately, without notice. However, we know that this approach can contribute to increased waiting times for routine care appointments.
This is a unique feature of our medical centre that is unlike almost anywhere else you go!
Are you tired of waiting for access to quality primary care services on Galiano Island? Or do you know someone who is? You’re not alone. The province-wide shortage of primary care providers and family doctors has prevented us from addressing the waitlist since 2019. At the Galiano Health Care Centre, we understand how important it is for you to have access to quality primary care, and we’re committed to making that a reality.
Our plan is to gradually intake new patients as our capacity allows, ensuring that we prioritize safety and quality. We’re actively working to recruit family doctors and lobbying for additional funding to support our efforts. But we can’t do it alone. The Galiano Health Care Centre is the result of years of work and advocacy by the community.
Physician Services
Dr. Erin Carlson, Dr. Anik Mommsen-Smith, and Dr. Andre Touchburn are available for appointments with current patients or urgent care, and a physician locum is available as much as we are able secure one.
Nurse Practitioner
We have one Nurse Practitioner, Lee-Ann Jespersen, who is available 4 days a week for appointments with current patients or urgent care.
For more information on what Nurse Practitioners can do for you please check out these resources:
Canadian Nurses Association NPNOW video
What is the role of a Nurse Practitioner?
How are Nurse Practitioners integrated in the health-care team?
What impacts do Nurse Practitioners bring to health-care systems?
College of Registered Nurses of BC
Lab Services
Full lab services are available each Thursday morning from 7:00am to 10:55am. Appointments necessary. Phone the clinic or come in to book an appointment up to 4 weeks in advance. Requisitions for service are required, so you need to see your primary physician or nurse practitioner to acquire these ahead of time. As well, you need to bring your Care Card to present at the time of seeing the Lab Tech.
Important Notice: Due to Island Health staffing shortages, we are only being sent one lab technician each week. This means that we are booking about 2-3 weeks out for lab/bloodwork here at the clinic. If you know that you have lab work coming up, please try to book as far in advance as you can.️
Alternatively, if you know that you are going to town in the next couple of weeks, you can always go to Saanich Peninsula Hospital or one of the many Life Labs in the Sidney/Saanich area. With Life Labs, you can even book your appointment time online! 
https://locations.lifelabs.com/locationfinder
And as always, please be patient with all health care workers at this time. We are all in this together.
Thank you, Galiano – you are a continued example of a small but strong healthy community.
Emergency Services
For after-hours urgent care, you can reach the doctor on call at 1-800-866-5602. There is a roster of on-island and off-island physician coverage. As well we have 24/7 Ambulance Attendant coverage through the 911 emergency system.
Always call 911 in case of a serious or life-threatening emergency.
Home & Community Care Nurse
Registered Nurse Andrea Hamilton is the contact person for home care and support services and assessment for Galiano Island. She can be reached at 250-539-5103.
Mental Health and Wellness
The Galiano Health Care Society is working to develop, enhance and support mental health services on Galiano. We recently received a generous grant from the Victoria Foundation which has allowed us to hire an Outreach worker on a one year pilot project. We are pleased to welcome Andrew Simmons into this role. He can be reached at 250-858-2830 or ghcsoutreach@shaw.ca
Counselling Services
Salt Spring Island Community Services provides counselling and resource and referral services to Galiano.
The Mental Health Clinician is Susan van Asselt. She can be reached at 250-539-0034
Allied Health Services
Physiotherapist
Chris Kennedy, RPT, offers physiotherapy appointments on select Fridays at the clinic. To book an appointment, please contact Chris via his website at https://www.fortifyphysio.ca/contact
Registered Massage Therapists
Karrie Anne Friend is a Registered Massage Therapist practicing out of the clinic. To book an appointment, please contact her directly.
Chiropractor
Dr. Travis Cox travels to Galiano Island to provide service. To book an appointment, please contact him directly.
Dentist
The Galiano Dental Clinic is located in Room 4 of the Galiano Health Care Centre. It is a fully equipped clinic, and can serve all your dental needs. The Dental Clinic is open 4 days per month and appointments or inquiries can be made at 250-539-2939. Our dentist is Dr. Eha Onno. Registered Dental Hygienist Maureen Kelly is offering hygiene services 2 days per month, so please call us for an appointment.
Podiatrist
Currently no podiatrist on the schedule. Please call the Front Desk for information about alternate services 250-539-3230.
Foot Care Nurse
Nicole Mouner, LPN: Gulf Island Footcare. Please call Nicole at 250 539 5298 for an appointment
Public Health Nurse
Nurse Melinda Andrews-Wittman runs a clinic at the Health Care Centre every 6 weeks, with a focus on prevention services, child, youth and family health. To make an appointment or for enquiries please call 250-539-3099.