Dear Editor:
Until most of us acquire immunity following vaccination, the present health orders will necessarily remain in place. I acknowledge that COVID-19 has created backlogs and inconvenienced many of us seeking medical care, but there are accessible workarounds short of presenting at a hospital emergency department.
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Most medical clinics now offer same-day walk-in clinic hours by phone and an in-person appointment may result if the issue requires a non-emergency physical examination.
There are numerous other options, but I’ll speak only to those I’ve utilized.
BC Healthlink (dial 811) provides 24/7 healthcare advice and is a useful first stop in determining how to proceed with a health problem.
Telus has partnered with the province through an online app called Babylon to provide a range of services which are paid for by the Medical Services Plan of B.C. The Babylon by Telus Health app is a free download with access to licensed health care professionals weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
My experience using Babylon was prompt and productive. I booked a next-day online appointment with a B.C. doctor who reviewed symptoms with me and offered several solutions. I picked up a prescribed medication later that same day. My need for medical attention along with a treatment plan was resolved in less than 24 hours.
If we choose to accept and adapt, timely and expanded access to medical service is now available.
Pati Hill
Summerland
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