Centralized PPE distribution system for doctors to launch soon

The BC Ministry of Health has advised it will be launching a centralized PPE distribution system for doctors at the end of November, to be followed with an incremental roll-out around the province. This means doctors will soon be able to order PPE at no cost for the duration of the pandemic.

The Ministry also confirms that doctors who need additional masks to comply with the new mask policy are to connect with Health Authority contacts to place their orders. The HAs have been directed to fill requests for masks to meet the increased demand resulting from the new policy, at no cost to doctors. The new policy states that patients in doctors” offices are to be provided with medical masks.  

Doctors of BC President Dr Kathleen Ross notes in her letter to members that the Association has been involved in discussions with the Ministry in support of this work to ensure doctors receive the necessary supports so that they can continue to provide vital in-person care during this challenging time.

Information on the implementation of the PPE centralized system, the interim requests for additional masks, and a health authority contact list can be found here.  

Correction to contact information in the attachment:

Please follow the directions below to order masks if you work within Vancouver Coastal
or Providence Health

Vancouver Coastal
Use online ordering portal.
New users, e-mail View Email AddressVCHCovid-19CentralSupply@vch.ca and an account will be set up for you.

Providence Health
Doctors practicing at PHC sites should contact
Don Wills at View Email Addressdwills@providencehealthbc.ca