FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I STILL BE SEEN FOR WALK-IN MEDICAL CONCERNS AT THE MONASHEE MEDICAL CLINIC IF I HAVE NOT BEEN ASSIGNED TO ANOTHER FAMILY DOCTOR?

If a patient receives care at a clinic on a repeated basis, the College requires that the physicians at the clinic provide ongoing longitudinal care for these patients.  Since the physicians at the Monashee already have full practices, they are unable to provide this service.

I HAVE REGULAR BLOOD WORK AND PRESCRIPTION RENEWALS, HOW WILL I GET THESE IN THE FUTURE?

At this time,  you will need to contact another physician to order tests, prescription renewals and referrals

WHAT DO I DO NOW?  WHERE DO I GO?

For medical emergencies, please call 911 or go to your local Emergency Department.  If you are unsure how to proceed, call 811. This is the nurses hotline operated by HealthLink BC, part of the Ministry of Health offering health advice.  You can speak directly with a registered nurse or dietitian, an exercise professional or a pharmacist.

Access virtual care through Telus Health MyCare.

If you are looking for a familly practitioner, make sure to register on the Kootenay Boundary’s Health Connect Registry. This is a new region-wide service to help patients find a family practitioner. You can self-register at kbhcr.ca

I’M PREGNANT AND I DON’T HAVE A DOCTOR.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Patients can self-refer to Aspen Maternity https://www.aspenmaternity.ca, Phone 250-364-5131 for prenatal care in Trail or Castlegar.  Patients can also self-refer to local midwifery services in their community.

I HAVE A LOVED ONE WHO IS PALLIATIVE AND I NEED SUPPORT.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please contact Public Health at Kiro Wellness Centre in Trail – Phone: 250-364-6219, to be connected to palliative care services. You can also reach out to Trail Hospice for further support at 250-364-6204 or visit KB Division for the Palliative Care Patient Toolkit.  

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY MENTAL HEALTH OR MY LOVED ONE’S MENTAL HEALTH OR ADDICTION.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Any person in the community can self-refer to their local Mental Health services.  Trail Mental Health and Substance Use can be accessed by calling 250 364 6262. There is also free counselling through FAIR society in Trail – phone 250 364 2326.  For children and youth, self-referrals can be made by calling CYMH at 250 364 0540. 

If you or a loved one is having a mental health crisis such as suicidal thoughts, please contact our office if you are a current patient of our Clinic, or go to your nearest Emergency Department if you do not have a Family Physician or if the Clinic is closed.

MY CHILD NEEDS THEIR IMMUNIZATIONS AND GROWTH CHECKS, OR I’M CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT OR BEHAVIOUR.  WHO CAN I CONTACT?

Please call Public Health at Kiro Wellness Centre in Trail at 250 364 6219.  You can also call Kootenay Family Place at 250 365 8448 for support with behaviour and developmental issues. 

IF I FIND A NEW DOCTOR AT ANOTHER CLINIC, HOW DO I GET MY RECORDS TRANSFERRED?

If you find a new physician, you can sign a request for transfer of records at your new clinic, and our staff will prepare and send your records to your new clinic. There is a cost associated with a transfer of records as this service is not covered by MSP.

WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY A FEE TO TRANSFER OR GET A COPY OF MY MEDICAL RECORDS?

There is a fee for this service to cover the cost of staff time and photocopying, which is not covered by your Medical Services Plan (MSP).  It is standard practice to charge for this service, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons supports a reasonable administrative fee to be charged. Please be patient as this may take up to 30 days to prepare depending on the size of your chart and staff availability.

AS A COMMUNITY MEMBER, WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FAMILY DOCTORS IN MY COMMUNITY?

Spread the word! Rossland is a great place to live and work. If you have friends or family in the medical community, let them know that they should consider coming to our wonderful community.

Contact your MLA to advocate for the urgent need for more physicians in our area. Katrine Conroy at 250-304-2783 or Toll Free: 1-888-755-0556. Email: Katrine.Conroy.MLA@leg.bc.ca