The newly opened South Delta After-Hours Urgent and Primary Care Centre provides fast, effective care for a child’s persistent fever.
(Photo) Erika and her daughter, Sophia.
As a young, first-time parent, it can be especially distressing when your child gets sick. You’re constantly trying to balance the comfort of caring for them at home with recognizing when symptoms might be serious enough to need professional help.
Erika and her husband faced this challenge on Boxing Day, when their one‑year‑old daughter, Sophia, developed a fever that wouldn’t go down. Because it was a statutory holiday, their usual first step — calling their family doctor for a same‑day or next‑day appointment — wasn’t an option.
“Because my husband and I work at Fraser Health, we’ve learned where to look for information about health care options, and that’s something we are grateful for,” she says. “I’m always sharing what I learn with friends and family.”
With their doctor’s office closed, Erika turned to the next best source for guidance: calling Fraser Health Virtual Care. The nurse recommended they visit their nearest Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC). For them, that was the South Delta After-Hours UPCC, which had just opened in December.
“Dr. Tim had a very kind temperament,” she recalls. “He took a quick look in my daughter’s ear and immediately saw there was an infection. He asked what worried us most and explained his recommendations with that context in mind. He understood we might hesitate about antibiotics, so he respectfully walked us through the options, shared the supporting data and explained how to give the medicine.”
The experience brought enormous relief. They received quick, compassionate care in the community—an appropriate option for their needs—rather than making a trip to the emergency department or waiting for their doctor's regular business hours.
“We were so grateful the Centre was open over the holidays,” Erika says. “It meant our daughter could be seen sooner, and we could go home feeling reassured and confident about the care plan.”
For more information on accessing services at one of Fraser Health’s Urgent and Primary Care Centres, visit fraserhealth.ca/upcc. We recommend calling ahead to register as a patient.
Get in touch with a Fraser Health Virtual Care registered nurse or dietitian via phone or webchat at fraserhealth.ca/virtualcare.
Winter wellness starts here: fraserhealth.ca/WinterSetGo.
