Patient Resources

We have compiled some the most commonly utilized patient resources on this page.

Recommended Urology Web Sites

The internet is a wonderful source of information for patients and their families. However, it can be difficult to judge the trustworthiness and quality of information on the internet. We have provided links to sites which we consider trustworthy. The internet is not a substitute for professional insight and evaluation.

General Web Sites on Urology Conditions

Where to Find the Things You Need

Please note that this is a list of independent businesses that you can access. They are not formally affiliated with the MetroVan Urology Group. Determine if their services fit your needs.

Medical Supplies

Most pharmacies will carry medical supplies. Check with them about ordering in special products for you.

SpeediCath by Coloplast and Lofric by Astratec: Selection of hydrophylic catheters for self-catheterization (clean intermittent catheterization. Can be ordered through your local medical supply store

Lofric offers assistance with obtaining third party coverage (e.g. Sun Life, Blue Cross) and can top up the coverage such that the patient does not need to pay. This not available if you only have pharmacare coverage. Please call 1-877-563-7422 (1-877-Lofric-2).

Outpatient Imaging & Radiology Tests

  • Brooke Radiology Associates: Outpatient radiology centers in Richmond and Burnaby. The same radiologists that review films and do procedures in Richmond Hospital, Burnaby Hospital and Delta Hospital constitute the Brooke group.

  • Greig Associates Radiology: Outpatient radiology centers in Vancouver

You can find information on Hospital locations on our Contact Page

Outpatient Laboratories

BC Biomed & Lifelabs: These are privately owned laboratories which provide most of the outpatient lab testing for British Columbia. Results are sent directly into our Electronic Medical Records. Each offers similar services. Your requisition will be accepted at either lab and at any location. Please note that there are a few lab tests (e.g. semen analysis) which are only accepted at specific sites and at specific times. Please refer to the websites for up to date information.

Pharmacies

  • We are able to send your prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.

  • Please have the name and address available. A fax number may assist us.

  • Pharmacy professional standards require prescriptions to be received by fax to a pharmacy OR on paper with a ‘wet’ signature (signed with a pen). Pharmacists are NOT allowed to accept prescriptions that have been printed on a computer. Therefore, we do not email prescriptions to patients.

  • Certain medications are either compounded or are available at certain pharmacies. We will send your prescriptions there when necessary.

  • Cancer medications are covered by Pharmacare and are only dispensed through the BC Cancer Agency Pharmacies. They may be able to deliver the medication to your home.

  • Specific & Difficult to Source Medications

  • Fosfomycin: this antibiotic is sometimes the only oral antibiotic (can taken by mouth) which can treat certain types of bladder infections. Unfortunately, it is no longer available in Canadian Pharmacies, but remains available in the US. The pharmacies in Blaine carry this and will usually honour your Canadian prescription.

  • Intracavernosal injections: many pharmacies will compound (i.e. mix the ingredients). Our preference is to utilize the Regency Pharmacy in our office building. Alternatives include MacDonald's Prescription and Medical Supplies..

  • Pyridium (phenazopyridine): this is a bladder anesthetic which many patients find helpful for bladder pain. It is no longer available from a manufacturer in Canada, but some pharmacies do compound this medication. You can obtain it from a US pharmacy if necessary (e.g. in Blaine) where it remains very inexpensive. Alternatively, several pharmacies in Canada do compound it including Kerrisdale Pharmacy (5591 West Boulevard) in Vancouver and McCue Drugs in Richmond (8120 Cook Road).

Physiotherapy Clinics & Stoma Therapy in the Lower Mainland

Physiotherapy

These clinics offer pelvic floor physiotherapy

Accommodations

We have included a list of hotels near to Richmond General Hospital if you are coming from out of town which offer 'hospital rates'. This list is not meant to be an endorsement of these hotels nor can we guarantee their rate - feel free to do a web search for other hotels in the area.

  • Ramada Inn- Directly behind the hospital
    7188 Westminister Highway
    604-270-9000 

  • Executive Airport Plaza Hotel - Across the street, 1 block walk
    7311 Westminister Highway
    604-278-5555

  • Best Western - Four block walk
    7511 Westminister Highway
    604-273-7878

  • Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel - Four block walk
    5911 Minoru Blvd

For information on specific conditions, please check our Urological Conditions page or Procedures and Surgery page