Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) - Kelowna, British Columbia

Darin S. (.

Be warned. I was pretty impressed when they told me it would be a 40 minute wait. I had a UTI and knew all I needed were some antibiotics. But no, that was just the wait to see the nurse practitioner. Then after getting talking to her, I was told it was 3 hours to see a doctor to get a prescription. But “not to worry”, I can just go home and they will text me 10 minutes before the doctor will see me. Doesn’t work for me because I live over an hour away. But I can’t go to a walk in now b/c they have already started me in their process. So I wait. At the 3 hour mark I ask the front counter staff where I am on the list and am told there are 7 people ahead of me. 7 people turned into 15. Waiting continues. Over 6 hours passes. Finally get into see the doctor and 5 minutes later I am out the door with my prescription. To be clear, the nurse and the doctor were great and apologized for the delays. Same can’t be said for the office staff who are rude and dismissive. Yes, a UTI isn’t as urgent as a gunshot wound. And if a toddler with a painful ear infection is there crying, they should go first. But they literally brought a guy in after waiting 5 minutes for WorkSafe note for his back he had injured 2 days earlier. I’m guessing cause they get to bill WorkSafe for the note, so that takes priority? It makes me laugh when the health authority complains about people going to emergency instead of urgent care. The reason they do is the urgent care system is a joke. My recommendation (should you still decide to go there) would be to ask how long to see an actual doctor -before you register to see the nurse - so you can make an informed decision about whether you want to risk spending a whole day there, or just find a walk in with a reasonable wait time.

Aae E.

Wait was reasonable given number of people. SMS notification during the wait meant we could go somewhere in meantime. The physio was amazing. Great bedside manner, thorough check and explanations.

Cheryl K.

Wait times are ridiculous. Went to Urgent care for about 3 years due to my Doctor retiring , terrible for trying to get things done for you. Finally got a nurse practitioner from Outreach and she did more for me in the two months I’ve had her then Urgent care ever did. Very disappointed with urgent care . Will never use them again

KSP

After my experience today, I was reminded that some doctors care more about following rules than actually helping their patients. Instead of truly listening, too many medical professionals reduce patients to a checklist, deciding in a matter of minutes whether or not their struggles are “valid enough” to warrant help.

Mental health, stress, and personal struggles aren’t something you can measure with a test or diagnose in a five-minute conversation. But when the system prioritizes policies over people, those who actually need care are left to fend for themselves. No one should have to fight to be heard, let alone beg to be helped.

K G.

I went there first thing in the morning, 30mins before opening, i waited 6 hours to be seen. Was in a line of maybe 20 people waiting, They all came and went, this happened over and over, new ones came same thing. Anyways, there got to be a point where there was no ppl left for 2 hours in the afternoon. I checked if I’m on the list, they said yes and “only a few ppl were ahead of me” a few times. Didn’t make sense. I started having anxiety attacks about this going on and on for no reason, I did not understand, I waited patiently. I only needed a few mins of the drs time. It was simple but important to see a dr. Why this happened I have no idea.

PikaBlu22

This place is useless and the receptionists will lie to you. I went there for a severe onset rash and waited 4 and a half hours, asked how long it would be, told I was next, waited another 30 minutes, then walked out never getting so much as being looked at. The rash is still here and has spread all over making it unbearable to do anything. Never go here. They will do nothing and waste your time.

Katie R.

The lady at the door is so kind. She gave me daughter colouring. I also saw her sanitizing everything so it didn't feel super gross in there. The nurses and doctor are very kind as well.

Maxine U.

Gave 2 stars because the staff were all friendly.

BUT….Went here tonight with a severe inner ear pain. I asked if they were still taking patients as it was approx 7:00pm and they close at 8:30pm.
I checked in and was told to wait for the nurse. I waited for just over half an hour to see the nurse. She went through medical and my symptoms. Then told me I’m so sorry but we are full and can not take any more patients. I should go to the Emergency.

I was so confused and in a lot of pain. Looking back I wish I asked….

Why did they have me wait to see a nurse, go through my info and symptoms, only to tell me they were full? Why didn’t they just tell me they were full when I checked in instead of making me wait?