Penticton Health Centre

Not every health need is an emergency, and much of what keeps a community well happens away from a hospital ward. Public health nursing, immunization, home and community care, mental health and substance use support, and services aimed at families and seniors are typically grouped together under one roof so that people can be referred sideways between them without starting over each time. That is the role a community health centre plays in a regional service town.

Because Penticton serves the whole South Okanagan, plenty of the people coming through have driven in from Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos or one of the smaller communities in the surrounding hills. If that is you, phone ahead. Different programs run on different schedules, some need a referral from a family doctor and others accept people directly, and a two minute call can tell you which applies and what to bring. Care card, a list of current medications, and any paperwork from a previous appointment are the usual essentials. Ask about parking and which entrance you want while you have someone on the line.