Complex Chronic Diseases Program

The Complex Chronic Diseases Program is a provincial referral centre that provides symptom-centred care to patients across BC experiencing myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia, and symptoms attributed to Lyme disease.

​​​Our program offers self-paced online education and virtual group sessions led by health care providers who deliver the principles of self-management skills and help you implement them. Our program focuses on group-based education and self-management support, while continuing to offer one-to-one visits for medication review as needed.

Clinical research tells us that self-management skills are best practice for managing symptoms of complex chronic diseases. There are robust data and multiple best practice guidelines that patients with strong self-management skills have better long-term outcomes when it comes to symptom control. This group education format is also supported by client feedback. 
 
We do not provide primary care but may assist in the management of co-existing illnesses. We do not offer a cure for these conditions.

​Referral information 

All referrals must be made by a physician or nurse practitioner who is able to continue supporting the program participant's daily chronic disease management and follow their ongoing health. We do not accept self-referrals from patients.  

To be eligible to receive care at this clinic, patients meet each of the following criteria:
  • Gender-diverse residents of BC 
  • 19 years of age or older 
  • With symptoms of: 
    • Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) 
    • Fibromyalgia (FM), or 
    • Symptoms attributed to Lyme disease (SALD) 
For further information on making a referral, visit our referral web page. We review and assess each referral carefully on an individual basis.​

Contact us 

Complex Chronic Diseases Program
Room B400, 4th Floor
BC Women's Health Centre at entrance #77
4500 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3N1 

Phone: 604-875-2061
Toll-free (BC): 1-888-300-3088, ext: 2061 
Fax: 604-875-3738 

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

​Additional resources

For patients


Medication fact sheets

Webinars

​Pacing through the Summer​

Tuesday, June 9, 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Learn and share tools for pacing, planning and adapting summertime activities, with occupational therapist Jennifer and physiotherapist Sandy.

Register to attend the Pacing through the Summer webinar​.

Persons with Disability (PWD)

Tuesday, July 14, 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Learn about eligibility and the application process, and have your questions answered. This informative session features an advocate from Disability Alliance BC.

Register to attend the Persons with Disability webinar​.

Supporting the Nervous System

Tuesday, August 11, 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Join Complex Chronic Disease Program social workers Kym and Laura to explore gentle, practical strategies to support your nervous system balance in daily life.

Register to attend the Supporting the Nervous System webinar​.​

Managing Winter Events and Activities

​Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Join occupational therapist Jennifer and physiotherapist Sandy to discuss practical strategies to approach seasonal activities and commitments.

Register to attend the Managing Winter Events and Activities webinar​.​

Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)​

​Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Join us to learn about eligibility, the application process, and to have your questions answered. This informative session features an advocate from Disability Alliance BC. 

Register to attend the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)​​ webinar.

Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D)​

​Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Join us to learn about eligibility, the application process, and to have your questions answered. This informative session features an advocate from Disability Alliance BC. 

Register to attend the Canada Pension Plan-Disability (CPP-D)​ webinar.

Food, Feelings and Festivities

​Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Explore practical strategies for nutrition and emotional well-being over the winter holidays with dietitian Michelle and social workers Laura and Kym. 

​Register to attend the Food, Feelings and Festivities​ webinar.​

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