Health, medical and insurance information

Since April, the province-wide restrictions have been lifted, and the wearing of masks in public indoor settings has been a personal choice.

At this time, as the new BA.5 Omicron variant that is currently circulating is on the rise and is reportedly more contagious, we would just like to remind everyone that masks are welcome and encouraged in indoor settings, particularly on public transportation, and anywhere else that you feel is appropriate.

In the event that you are experiencing symptoms, CanIL has some test kits available (contact larry.hayashi@canil.ca) or if you are already on BC Medical Services Plan or know of someone who is, many pharmacies carry the test kits for free.

If you are experiencing symptoms and/or test positive for COVID, we highly encourage the following:

1. Please let your networks know including:

   1. Any social events that you were a part of

   2. Your instructors and fellow classmates that may have been exposed

This provides an increased awareness on their part to self-monitor.

2. Please self-isolate. BC CDC currently suggests 5 days if you are fully vaccinated, 10 days if you are not.

3. If you are feeling better and venture out, please wear a mask in public spaces for another week. 

4. The use of masks is always welcomed and encouraged in indoor settings.

More information can be found at: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/if-you-have-covid-19

Of course, we will continue to respect one another's personal choices.

Thanks!

Josephine Kyriakakis | VP, Human Resources | CanIL
Larry Hayashi | Summer Director | CanIL

If emergency response (ambulance, fire, police) is needed

• Dial 911

• Dial 9  911 on a campus phone.

TWU Security

• TWU Security has first aid equipment and some training for non-emergencies. 

• TWU Security phone: 604-513-2099

CanIL contact information for emergencies:

In the event of an emergency or serious concern, please have someone notify a CanIL staff member as soon as possible (Dial 911 first if it is an emergency and then contact one of us).

• Larry Hayashi • 778-939-1005 © • larry.hayashi@canil.ca

• Jamie Lang • 604-861-5771• jamie.lang@canil.ca

• Danny Foster • 778-980-7077 © • danny.foster@canil.ca

• Randy Lebold • 778-251-6631 • randy.lebold@canil.ca

Local Emergency Rooms

Emergency rooms often have long wait times. They will assess you immediately to determine how urgently they should attend to you. If you have a potentially life-threatening or extreme injury, go to an emergency room (and call an ambulance if necessary). 

If you feel that you can wait for a day, walk-in clinics typically have much shorter wait times. See CLINICS below. 

• Langley Memorial Hospital (604-514-6000) - closest but wait times tend to be long 22051 Fraser Hwy, Langley

• Ridge Meadows Hospital (604-463-4111) - on the other side of the river in Maple Ridge, somewhat tucked away in neighborhood. Wait times tend to be less long.  11666 Laity St. Maple Ridge

• Abbotsford Regional Hospital  (604-851-4700)  32900 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C2 

• Surrey Memorial Hospital (604-581-2211)  13750 96 Ave., Surrey

Pharmacist Care

As of June 1, 2023, pharmacists in B.C. can assess and prescribe for 21 minor ailments, reducing demand on Walk-In clinics and emergency rooms. Refer to the following list for what a pharmacist may be able to provide.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/pharmacare/initiatives/ppmac

Walk-In Clinics and Wait Times

• Refer to: https://medimap.ca/Location/Langley for a list of Langley clinics and wait times.

• As we continue to be under COVID protocols, check to see if an appointment is necessary. A number of walk-in clinics changed their walk-in policies. 

*If you are an international student and you are still on your temporary GuardMe Medical Insurance Policy, bring your GuardMe ID card. Contact the GuardMe Emergency Assistance Number (1-888-756-8428) before being hospitalized or before any major diagnostic tests (see last page of policy document here). Please remember that you will most likely be required to pay for your expenses up front. Upfront costs could be $1000+. Bring a credit card to pay for these expenses. Remember that your hospital visit and prescriptions will be reimbursed. Keep all your receipts, since you will need these later when you submit your claim for reimbursement.

• Wellness Centre (Douglas Hall): 604-513-2024  Please Note - Wellness Centre is closed during Summer Sessions

• On-Campus Emergency Numbers: 604-513-2099, or 2099 from campus phone, or 604-657-9911 for pager 

• • On top of the refrigerator in the CanIL dorm lounge (during the summer)

  • At CanIL 3rd floor Reception Area in lower drawer near the fax machine

  • In the CanIL kitchen in the cupboard beneath the hot water dispenser

  • At TWU Security kiosk 604-513-2099

  • At TWU Gym reception

• Healthlink BC - Dial 811 or 604-215-8110 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca. You can speak with a health services navigator, who can also connect you with a registered nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional. This is an excellent resource to help you determine next steps before going to a clinic. However, note that if you call after hours or on the weekend, there is a reasonably high chance (due to liability issues) that you will be advised to go to the Emergency Room at the hospital to have your symptoms checked out, because other clinics may be closed. (ER visits are free on BC MSP and please do make use of this whenever you need it--take your health seriously!--but note that it can take a while to be seen if the issue is not life-threatening).

• MobileDOCTOR: If you have an active GuardMe insurance policy, you can use MobileDOCTOR to reach a doctor via text, phone, or video call. You may even be able to receive a diagnosis and a prescription via mobileDOCTOR. 

• Poison Control Centre: 604-682-2344

All International Students are required to apply for the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, there is an eligibility waiting period that is usually 3 months. International Students are thus also required to purchase Trinity Western University’s insurance package through GuardMe Medical Insurance. You will typically need to purchase 90 days of temporary coverage. 

Please see TWU's website for more detailed instructions.