HEiDi is a physician support service for HealthLink BC 8-1-1.

8-1-1 is a free health information line for patients with non-emergency health inquiries. HEiDi physicians assist 8-1-1 nurses with urgent health inquiries they receive. HEiDi physicians give patients just-in-time information and comfort, and ensure appropriate triage to health services. This discerning triage decreases ED wait times and can safely refer patients back to their family physicians.

HEiDi provides 8-1-1 support from 10am-10pm daily. Physicians can contact our Real-Time Virtual Support Team at rtvs@bcemergencynetwork.ca for more information.

The ECBC Network co-leads the clinical and administrative aspects of the HEiDi pathway in collaboration with the HealthLink BC 8-1-1 line. Find out more about our role in developing BC Real-Time Virtual Supports (RTVS).

For Patients

Patients should call 8-1-1 for all non-emergency health questions. For emergency inquires, patients should call 9-1-1. If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

Patients who speak to HEiDi physicians can often safely avoid visiting the emergency department. Most patients no longer need to seek emergency care within 24 hours and are managed safely at home.

“HEiDi opened my eyes to virtual health, and what it could do for communities and individuals.”

– 8-1-1 Nurse

Dr. Kendall Ho, ECBC Real-Time Virtual Support Lead, introduces HEiDi. Find out how HEiDi relates to the HealthLink BC 8-1-1 line, and how it’s safely diverting COVID-19 related visits to the emergency department.