The Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC) is a state-of-the-art outpatient facility located at 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. Situated adjacent to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the DHCC serves as a hub for specialized medical services, education, and research. Opened in 2006, this facility was developed through a public-private partnership between Vancouver Coastal Health and Access Health Vancouver.
Facility Overview
Design and Architecture
The DHCC spans 33,900 square meters and comprises 11 floors. Designed by Henriquez Partners Architects and IBI Group Architects, the building features modern architectural elements, including a striking steel atrium and cantilevered northwest end. The facility is built primarily of concrete and utilizes post-tensioning and a full-height transfer beam to provide the open space required for the lecture hall. Structural challenges in the design were addressed to accommodate numerous mechanical ducts and non-standard-sized built-up members.
Operational Capacity
The centre is designed to accommodate over 600,000 patient visits annually, offering a wide range of outpatient services. It houses various specialty clinics, medical education facilities, and research laboratories. The DHCC is one of British Columbia’s first private-public partnerships in the healthcare sector.
Core Services and Clinics
1. Dentistry Clinic
Located on the 7th floor, the Dentistry Clinic provides general dental care and treatment for complex orofacial disorders and trauma. Access requires a physician referral.
2. Diabetes Centre
Situated on the 4th floor, the Diabetes Centre offers education, support, and treatment for individuals with complex diabetes management issues. Services include advanced carbohydrate counting, intensive insulin therapy, and continuous glucose monitoring.
3. Cardiac Function Clinic
Located on the 9th floor, the Cardiac Function Clinic assists patients in managing symptoms of heart failure. The clinic provides education and support groups to help individuals control their condition.
4. Geriatric Medicine
Also on the 7th floor, the Geriatric Medicine clinic specializes in providing compassionate care and comprehensive assessments tailored to the unique needs of older adults. Services include geriatric assessments, physiotherapy, and a teaching clinic for medical students.
5. Complex and Rapid Early Stabilization (CARES) Clinic
Located on the 7th floor, the CARES Clinic is a referral-only service designed to keep patients stable during their transition between the emergency department or VGH and community care.
6. Internal Medicine Rapid Access Clinic
This clinic provides consultation with an internal medicine physician to diagnose a variety of complex medical conditions and provide referral to specialists. Appointments must be arranged through a physician.
7. Minor Surgery Clinic
Located on the 3rd floor, the Minor Surgery Clinic performs minor surgical procedures under local anesthetic. A physician referral is required.
8. Gynecology Clinics
Formerly known as the Women’s Clinic, this service provides diagnostic testing and treatment for pap smear abnormalities, including pre-malignant cervical and vaginal lesions.
9. Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC)
The PCSC program offers comprehensive support for prostate cancer patients and their partners, addressing both medical and emotional needs.
Educational and Research Facilities
The DHCC houses the UBC Faculty of Medicine, including several hundred medical students and over 500 medical and allied health professionals. The facility features a lecture theatre, the UBC Biomedical Branch Library, and the UBC William Boyd Museum, supporting medical education and research initiatives.
Accessing Services
Referral Process
Most clinics at the DHCC require a referral from a physician. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine eligibility and initiate the referral process.
Hours of Operation
While the DHCC operates 24/7, specific clinic hours vary. It’s advisable to contact the desired clinic directly or call the Vancouver General Hospital switchboard at (604) 875-4111 for detailed information.
Parking and Transportation
Visitor parking is available at two locations on the VGH campus:
- Multi-level parkade at the corner of West 12th Avenue and Laurel Street.
- Parking lot adjacent to the DHCC, accessible from Laurel Street between West 12th and West 13th Avenue.
A wheelchair-accessible overpass connects the VGH parkade to the DHCC at Level 4
Conclusion
The Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre stands as a cornerstone of outpatient medical services in Vancouver. With its comprehensive range of clinics, educational facilities, and research opportunities, it plays a pivotal role in delivering specialized care to the community. For more information or to access services, visit the official website: https://neess.ca/.