Island Health has introduced separate referral forms for Geriatric Specialty Services (GSS) and Community Health Services (CHS).

Key Changes:

The combined CHS + GSS referral form has been retired. Referrers must now use:

• A new, standalone GSS referral form for all referrals to community-based GSS programs.
• An updated CHS referral form for community referrers for all other CHS programs. Acute process for CHS remains the same.

Where the joint form was previously used, referrals are now submitted using the appropriate form, based on the service requested.

Important – Regional Exception

While the GSS referral form is available island-wide, the current CHS–GSS form remains in use for CHS referrals in the Comox Valley and Campbell River. These areas will transition to the updated separate CHS form at a later stage.

Access

Both referral forms are available through Pathways BC:

• GSS referral form
• CHS referral form

Background

A regional review identified the need for a dedicated GSS referral form to support clearer and more consistent access to Geriatric Specialty Services across Island Health. In parallel, an Island‑wide CHS referral form has been introduced, replacing multiple regional versions with one standardized form.