Appointments
Patient Appointments
To book an appointment, please ring us on (250) 247-9922, or click here if you have registered for the patient portal. We recommend contacting us at least three weeks in advance for follow-up appointments and prescriptions renewals. If it’s urgent, click here.
We schedule most routine appointments at twenty minute intervals. That includes the time your doctor will spend before calling you in, reviewing your medical records, lab results and correspondence, and documenting your appointment after you leave.
Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment time and always check in at the front desk.
We’re sorry if we’re running late. We often have to respond to emergencies, and we always try to give people the time they need — as we’ll try to do for you.
Please don’t save up multiple problems and then expect them all to be dealt with properly at one visit. If you have more than one thing to discuss, we may need to prioritize. And please make a separate appointment if you want to discuss something relating to another family member.
Urgent Care
In an emergency, call 911. The island paramedics will assess the situation and determine whether you need to be brought to the clinic or taken to the Nanaimo emergency room. We have well-equipped emergency facilities at the clinic and can deal with many problems. If necessary, we can arrange a BC Air Ambulance airlift.
If you have a medical problem that is not an emergency but that cannot wait, such as a urinary tract infection or an unwell child, please call and let us know. We’re not a walk-in clinic, but we will do our best to fit you in. You will be seen by the doctor on call that day, who may not be your usual doctor.
You can also call HealthLink BC at 811 and, if necessary, speak to a registered nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
For mental health crises, you can ring Vancouver Island Crisis Line literally any time on 1-888-494-3888. You can also text them (SMS) at (250) 800-3806 from 6 to 10 pm, or use their online chat from their home page.
Virtual Appointments
Tips for all remote appointments
- Check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and weight before the call if they may help during your appointment (they often do).
- We’re sorry if we’re running late. As ever, we’re often delayed by emergencies, or by giving people the time they need.
- Please understand that we’re always pressed for time — just as much when we’re seeing you remotely as when you’re in our office.
- If you have multiple concerns please tell us what they are at the outset, so you and your doctor can agree how to best manage the appointment.
- Your appointment is for you. If you need to discuss someone else (even just a prescription refill), please make another appointment.
Tips for successful phone appointments
- Confirm which phone you would like us to call (home or cell), and make sure we have correct numbers.
- If your phone blocks calls from withheld numbers, please unblock it. Otherwise we may not be able to get through to you.
- Be available during the time you are expecting your call. If you miss the call your appointment may have to be rebooked. When you call back it is unlikely that you will be able to be connected immediately to your doctor.
Book Online
Registered patients can now book online with Pomelo.
Use this link to book online.
Get In Touch
Phone & Fax
P. (250) 247-9922
F. (250) 247-9162
Hours
Mon, Tues, Wed: 9am to 4pm
Thurs: 10am to 4pm
Fri: 9am to 3pm
Address
695 Church Street
Gabriola BC V0R 1X3
Gabriola Medical Clinic
Gabriola Medical Clinic is an association of Nurse Practitioner Lewis and Dr.'s Thorne, Cusack and Clarke.