Exciting changes coming to Saanich Medical
We’re moving
It’s been 57 years that Saanich Medical Centre has been in its current location. Our current lease expires January 31 and we’ve decided to get a fresh start in a new location.
On February 1, 2021 we will open at our new location in Sidney, at 2425 Bevan Avenue. Our phone number will remain the same: 250-475-2251.
This was not an easy decision, but with all the uncertainty created by COVID-19, this new location gives us significant security and cost certainty (and since doctors can’t change their rates, costs are the only thing we can control).
We understand that not everyone will want to travel to Sidney—or be able to make it there easily. While we will still continue to offer virtual appointments via phone or video, some things will always need to be done in-person. If you are unable to follow us to Sidney a number of new clinics are opening closer to downtown and Royal Oak if that works better for you (see our Move to Sidney page for the list).
Dr. Shoichet is retiring
Over the next week all patients of Dr. Shoichet will receive an email or letter (if we don’t have your email address) indicating whether we:
- have assigned you to Dr. Easterbrook,
- have assigned you to Dr. Abhari, or
- have not been able to find a replacement physician for you.
If you have not received such a notification by November 20, please contact Lynnette at info@saanichmedical.com.
NOTE: due to a “feature” of our mass email system, if multiple people in your family have the same email address, only one person would have been sent the email. Please email info@saanichmedical.com to confirm what is happening with each of your family members.
Influenza vaccinations aka flu shots
It’s the fall, which means flu shot season! This year, we strongly recommend that everyone gets a flu shot, and it’s covered by Public Health.
We have now received initial supply of flu vaccine from Public Health and will be giving it as an add-on to appointments for other things. At this time (due to cleaning and distancing requirements for COVID) we are not booking appointments just for flu shots.
However, this year Public Health is organizing mass immunization clinics across Greater Victoria. These will last for 6-ish weeks, so if you aren’t able to get one from us, you will be able to get one through Public Health. You can book your appointment online with Public Health at islandhealth.ca/flu. Be sure to check back if clinics are full, as they are adding more capacity regularly.
Community pharmacies are also offering the influenza vaccine again this year.
Prior to your appointment, read our flu shot brochure to learn what to wear and what you need to know.
Welcome Lydia
Please join us in welcoming Lydia, our new Health Management Nurse, initially working with patients of Dr. Easterbrook. Learn more about Lydia.
Yes, we are still seeing patients
Our Doctors are still seeing patients using video conferencing, or via telephone. And we aren’t as busy as normal, so if you need to speak with your Doctor, chances are you can, quite quickly.
If a physical examination is required, we will first do a videoconferencing or telephone visit and then figure out next steps to get you seen.
NOTE: for the safety of other patients, our staff and doctors, patients seen in-person will be asked to wear a mask.
This is certainly an emotional time, and while you may be young and healthy and without symptoms, physical distancing (2 m or 6 ft) is about protecting your loved ones, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
We can’t stress enough—please be patient and think of others. We wear masks to protect others (and ourselves from others, to some extent).
If you do have symptoms (cough, fever, or new shortness of breath), these could be symptoms of COVID-19, seasonal influenza or a cold. Either way, the safest approach is to isolate yourself for 14 days (the contagious period for someone with COVID-19). Please use the Province of BC’s online Screening Tool to get guidance, or call/email us and your doctor will speak with you and provide recommendations.
Online booking
If you would like to book online, please visit our online booking page.
Virtual visits
If you have a virtual visit, please visit our virtual visits page.
Dr. Harrison
Please note that Dr. Harrison has moved out into a solo practice—as of early April. Please visit his new website: www.drdavidharrison.ca.
Doctors accepting patients
Unfortunately, at this time, none of our doctors are taking new patients.