New Virtual Urgent Care option enhances access in Liverpool and Middleton

An additional option for people to access care for urgent health concerns will soon be available at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool and Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton. 

Nova Scotia Health is offering a virtual option for people coming to the hospital with urgent, non-life threatening health issues. Virtual Urgent Care is not a replacement for the local emergency department but can be particularly helpful during times when the local emergency department is temporarily closed.  Virtual care is available at several emergency departments across the province and was introduced at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg and Roseway Hospital in Shelburne earlier this year. The service has been available at the Digby General Hospital since 2023 and is showing an increase in patient use.

Virtual Urgent Care starts at Queens General Hospital on Tuesday, August 20. It starts at Soldier Memorial on Wednesday, August 28. Virtual Urgent Care will be available at both sites - Queens General Hospital and Soldiers Memorial Monday to Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At Queens General is will also be available Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Weekend service will start at Soldiers Memorial on September 14. Even if the local emergency department is closed during these times, the virtual option will be available most days unless otherwise noted. Signs will be posted at each hospital letting people know when the service is available. 

Public, open house sessions will be held in Liverpool and Middleton in the weeks ahead to share information about the new virtual urgent care service and to answer questions about how it works, and what health issues are appropriate for the service.

Receiving urgent care virtually is simple, safe and confidential. At times when virtual urgent care is offered, patients will be assessed by onsite triage staff and register as usual. This can happen if the emergency department is open or temporarily closed. If their health matter is appropriate for virtual care, the patient is asked if they would like to see a virtual physician or nurse practitioner. If the patient agrees, a visit is arranged through a computer tablet in a room at the hospital. Once the virtual provider finishes the visit, staff on-site will print any requisitions for follow-up, and help book any additional tests or appointments for patients that need assistance. Follow up on tests/ appointments will be completed by the virtual care nurse practitioner or physician. 

When an emergency department is closed, patients with emergency health matters should call 911 for care. 

Some examples of what may be able to be seen through a virtual appointment include:  prescription refills; sinus congestion; coughs and sore throat; urinary tract infections; skin concerns; bites and stings; mild/ moderate aches and pains; and other conditions as assessed by your healthcare provider.