Business Details
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Your Trusted Family Medical Clinic in Sooke
Westcoast Family Medical Clinic is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, high-quality, evidence-based healthcare to registered patients while supporting the broader community. Our team of experienced family physicians, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals provides lifelong care through office-based services, outreach clinics, and urgent care. We specialize in chronic disease management, palliative care, and acute medical interventions, ensuring timely access to critical services. As a teaching facility affiliated with the University of British Columbia and University of Victoria, we integrate medical education into patient care, fostering the next generation of healthcare providers.Our commitment to community health is reflected in our inclusive approach, LGBTQ-friendly services, and partnerships with local organizations like the Sooke Hospice Society. We maintain rigorous standards aligned with the British Columbia Medical Association, prioritizing patient safety, transparency, and ethical care delivery.
Services
Family Medicine
Urgent Care
Chronic Disease Management
Palliative Care
Outreach Clinics
Medical Education
Addictions Services
Residential Care
After Hours Care
Allied Health Services
Highlights and features
- We offer urgent care services for timely medical attention.
- Our team includes experienced family physicians and nurse practitioners.
- We provide LGBTQ-inclusive and community-focused healthcare.
- Our clinic is a formal teaching site for UBC and UVic medical programs.
- We partner with local organizations for palliative and residential care.
Services
Family Medicine
Our family physicians and nurse practitioners deliver comprehensive, lifelong care for patients of all ages. Services include newborn and postpartum care, acute illness management, chronic disease monitoring, and preventive health screenings. We emphasize evidence-based practices and patient education to promote long-term wellness. Our team also provides minor surgical procedures and emergency care stabilization before hospital transfer.
Urgent Care Clinic
Same-day access to family physicians or nurse practitioners for urgent medical concerns. The clinic operates Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM, prioritizing timely care for residents without a primary care provider. Patients requiring immediate attention outside hours can contact the on-call physician for critical issues needing prompt intervention.
Palliative Care
Compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care provided by specialized physicians and the Sooke Hospice Team. Services include home-based hospice care, access to hospice beds at Ayre Manor, and medical assistance in dying. We coordinate with home care nursing and Beacon Home Support workers to ensure holistic comfort and dignity for patients and families.
Chronic Disease Management
Team-based approach to managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Our physicians collaborate with registered dietitians, social workers, and Island Health to develop personalized care plans. Services include regular monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and medication management to optimize patient health outcomes and quality of life.
Outreach Clinics
Medical services delivered beyond our main clinic, including the Csek Stolu Elders Medical Clinic at the Tsouke Nation and a school-based clinic at Edward Milne Community School. These programs expand access to underserved populations, providing culturally sensitive care and confidential student health services to improve community wellness.
People
Dr. Hagen Kluge
Family Physician
Dr. Kluge founded his Sooke family medicine practice in 2013 after completing residency at the University of British Columbia. He actively teaches medical students and residents while providing palliative care services through the Sooke Hospice Society.
Janelle Bellerive
Nurse Practitioner
A bilingual (English/French) nurse practitioner with expertise in oncology and palliative care, Janelle joined the clinic after working in ER settings across Canada. She provides comprehensive family medicine services and supports the Sooke Hospice Society.
Dr. Tracy Forsberg
Family Physician
Dr. Forsberg has practiced in Sooke since 2006, serving as Medical Director for the Sooke Hospice Society. She specializes in palliative care and teaches medical students and residents as a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Kristi Herrling
Family Physician
A Sooke native, Dr. Herrling completed her medical training at the Island Medical Program (UBC) and residency in Campbell River. She provides family medicine services and palliative care, with a focus on community-based outreach clinics.
Dr. Anton Rabien
Family Physician
Dr. Rabien has practiced in Sooke since 2006 after working in remote communities across Canada and New Zealand. He serves as Medical Co-Director at Ayre Manor Residential Care Facility and holds academic appointments at UBC and UVic.
Questions
How do I book an appointment?
Use our online booking system (preferred) or call 250-642-4233 during office hours (8:30 AM-12:00 PM, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM). Urgent Care bookings open daily at 6:00 AM.
What urgent care services are available?
Same-day appointments with family physicians or nurse practitioners for urgent medical issues. Services operate Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM, prioritizing local residents without a primary care provider.
Do you accept new patients?
Most physicians are not accepting new patients. Check individual provider bios for availability. Nurse Practitioner Janelle Bellerive may accept new patients for general family practice.
What services require payment?
Uninsured services like periodic health exams (unless under 5/over 55 or chronic condition) follow BCMA guidelines. Fees may be covered by private insurance. Inform staff if costs create financial hardship.
Are after-hours services available?
Call 1-888-686-3019 to reach the on-call physician for urgent medical issues outside regular hours. This service is for registered patients only.
What teaching roles does the clinic have?
We're a UBC Family Medicine residency and UVic Island Medical Program teaching site. Medical students and residents participate in patient care under supervision, contributing to local physician training initiatives.
