Walk-in clinics must provide proper care

Re: “The terrifying prospect of falling ill in Victoria,” letter, Sept. 29. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. was concerned to read the letter describing the difficulties the writer and her family have had trying to find a primary-care physician in Victoria.

She suggests in her letter that walk-in clinics are not designed to provide primary care, and physicians practising in walk-in clinics cannot be relied upon to co-ordinate specialist care or follow up on test results.

In fact, the college obliges physicians who practise in walk-in clinics to offer all patients longitudinal medical care should they require it.

The college has a practice standard, which clearly states that it is the medical care of a patient, and not the setting of a medical practice, that must guide the ethical, professional and clinical decisions a physician makes when treating a patient. Any patient who does not have a dedicated family physician and who regularly attends at a walk-in clinic can expect physicians who work there to provide appropriate medical care, including making referrals to specialists, properly following up with the patient and providing ongoing care when necessary.

The college’s role is to act in the public interest and to prevent situations where patients are denied care or receive compromised care. British Columbians deserve the same level of care from physicians no matter where they receive it, whether in a private-practice setting or a multi-physician walk-in clinic.

Patients who have concerns about the care they received in a walk-in clinic should contact the college. Dr. Heidi M. Oetter Registrar and CEO College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.