September 29, 2026
Dear Division members,
We have heard from many of you about the coordination efforts underway to deal with the transition following the end of After Hours Care (AHC) program supported by HealthLinkBC, which will end on October 1, 2026. While the Division does not have control over this program, we do have a role in sharing information and helping to connect and convene people to support collective solutions.
The Division will share info as soon as possible if a provincial after-hours coverage model is developed.
Outlined here is what we know right now, in the hopes that this information will help you plan and prepare. The Division will post this information under the News section of our website and will keep adding new information as it becomes available: https://southislanddivision.ca/news/
Next Steps
Clinic Responsibility (Effective Oct 1): Because no central coverage system will be operational on October 1, individual clinics must ensure their own after-hours coverage arrangements are active to meet regulations.
CPSBC Stance: Despite recent updates to the College language regarding physician on-call expectations, the College maintains that after-hours coverage must remain accessible and that the patient ultimately dictates the perceived acuity of their care needs.
Division Support: The South Island Division is actively exploring practical mitigation strategies to help reduce the operational and administrative burden this gap creates for our members.
Additional Information and Resources
FPSC Call Scripts for Clinics: The After Hours Care (AHC) program supported by HealthLinkBC will conclude on October 1, 2026. FPSC has provided an update, along with sample voicemail templates, to help clinics communicate after-hours care options to patients. Members currently using AHC are encouraged to review the guidance and determine the approach that best fits their clinic’s circumstances. FPSC After Hours and Voicemail Template (PDF)
After-Hours Processes for Critical Lab Results:
LifeLabs has shared its After Hours Procedures: Critical Laboratory Test Results (PDF)
Island Health: Physician leaders and Island Health are in active discussion about how to support effective access to lab results. The Division will share more details via our website once these are confirmed.
Thank you for all you do to provide primary care in the South Island. We appreciate that this news is not the outcome we wanted and we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.
Please contact your SIDFP Program Lead directly with any questions: merlyn.maleshuk@sidfp.com | sarah.bulmer@sidfp.com | levi.newnham@sidpf.com
The SIDFP office is closed Wednesday, September 30, in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and will be back to regular working hours on Thursday.