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Seniors BC

Health Information

The Province of British Columbia offers specialized health information by phone and over the Internet. These include HealthLink BC at www.HealthLinkBC.ca and its 8-1-1 non-emergency health and information phone line, along with the Health and Seniors Information Line.

HealthLink BC Website

HealthLinkBC.ca features up-to-date, medically-approved information on over 4,000 health topics including over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. HealthLink BC also has information for seniors about health and safety topics such as preventing falls, cataract surgery and disease-screening methods. The online website also helps you to find over 4,000 health services and resources in your community using the searchable directory and provides information to help you with your search.

HealthLinkBC.ca also offers an online Symptom Checker, as well as a free BC Health Guide in English, French, Chinese and Punjabi. This handbook provides guidance on how to prevent illness, gives advice on when to consult a health professional about your concerns and provides much more health-related information. You can go online or call 8-1-1 to order your free copy.

HealthLink BC’s 8-1-1 Phoneline

To assist British Columbians in finding their way in the healthcare system, seniors can call 8-1-1 to speak to a Health Service Representative (HSR).  The HSR will be able to provide you with information or self-care resources, or connect you quickly and easily with a registered nurse, pharmacist or dietitian.

If, after speaking to an HSR, you still need to speak to a registered nurse, HealthLink BC’s free 8-1-1 phone service connects you.  You can then discuss your symptoms and she, or he, can help you with non-emergency health issues or concerns. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

8-1-1 also connects you to Dietitian Services. Through this free service, registered dietitians provide nutritional consultations by phone during weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, pharmacists are available to speak to you by calling 8-1-1, every night from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Our services are available in more than 130 languages, upon request. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance (TTY), British Columbia residents can call 7-1-1.

Health and Seniors Information Line

The Health and Seniors Information Line is a one-stop resource for information on both health and non-health-related government programs and services, with a special focus on seniors.

The Health and Seniors Information Line operates between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays). The toll free number is 1-800-465-4911 (in Victoria, call 250-952-1742).