Dr. Ellen Colleen Forbes – Urologist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Ellen Colleen Forbes is a dedicated Urologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract in men and women, and the male reproductive system. Practicing at a urology clinic within a hospital department in Victoria, BC, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She adheres to the high standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and ethical medical care. Dr. Forbes provides comprehensive urological care for adult male and female patients, addressing issues such as kidney stones, prostate health, bladder dysfunction, and male reproductive concerns. Her practice is equipped with modern facilities designed to deliver thorough and specialized urological services.

She holds a medical degree (MD) from Dalhousie University in Canada and has obtained specialty certification as a Urologist through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her advanced training and certification reflect her commitment to excellence in urological medicine and her dedication to ongoing professional development.

Dr. Forbes’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices and minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. She emphasizes comprehensive patient education, ensuring individuals are well-informed about their conditions and treatment options. Her approach aims to provide personalized, effective care in a compassionate manner, serving the community of Victoria with dedication and professionalism. She provides care primarily in English, with a focus on building trust and clarity in patient communication.

Dr. Ellen Forbes addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:

General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders

• Urinary Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.
• Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).
• Neurogenic Bladder: Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological damage or conditions affecting nerve control of the bladder.

Urologic Cancers

• Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): Cancer that originates in the kidneys, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common type in adults.
• Bladder Cancer: Cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, most commonly in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder.
• Testicular Cancer: Cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system, most common in young men.

Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions

• Urethral Syndrome / Chronic Urethritis: Symptoms of urethral irritation or inflammation without evidence of bacterial infection.
• Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Ellen Forbes.

• Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery (Laparoscopic & Robotic-Assisted): Performing complex urological surgeries using small incisions and advanced technology for reduced recovery time (e.g., for prostate, kidney, bladder conditions).
• Comprehensive Urological Consultation & Evaluation: In-depth assessment of urinary tract and male reproductive system conditions, including medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic planning.
• Testicular Conditions Management (e.g., Testicular Torsion, Hydrocele, Varicocele, Epididymitis): Diagnosis and treatment of various conditions affecting the testicles and scrotum.
• Testicular Cancer Diagnosis, Staging & Management: Including radical inguinal orchiectomy and coordination with oncologists for further therapy.
• Prostatitis Management (Acute & Chronic): Diagnosis and treatment of prostate inflammation and infection.
• Overactive Bladder (OAB) Management in Women: Treatment strategies for urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence, including medications and neuromodulation.
• Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) Management: Multimodal approaches to manage chronic bladder pain and discomfort.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Forbes for care relevant to your needs.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

In Victoria's Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood, Dr. Forbes's urology department is situated within a specialized hospital unit that serves as a key medical facility in the region. The clinic is easily accessible via the Major North-South Route and has convenient access to the Saanich/Highway corridor. Patients can reach the facility via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), with stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by private vehicle, providing flexible options for patients attending appointments.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Forbes, a Urologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Forbes, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer technologies, medications, or elective procedures (like cosmetic urology or certain non-insured infertility treatments) may not be covered or may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Forbes's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Forbes, a Urologist?

Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in BC, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Forbes. This ensures your care is coordinated and appropriate. Some specific services, like vasectomy in certain private clinic settings, might occasionally be accessed directly, but for general urological assessment or provincially insured care, a referral is the standard pathway.

What is a cystoscopy and why might I need one?

A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your urologist, such as Dr. Dr. Forbes, to look directly inside your bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope. It might be recommended to investigate symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent UTIs, bladder pain, or difficulty urinating. It can also be used to take biopsies or perform minor treatments. She will explain the procedure and any preparation needed.

What is a PSA test and who should have it?

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The decision to have a PSA test is best made in consultation with your doctor, like Dr. Dr. Forbes, after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of screening. Factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity are often considered. It's not a perfect test, as elevated PSA can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH or prostatitis.

What treatment options are available for erectile dysfunction (ED) with Dr. Forbes?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has various treatment options available. After evaluating the potential causes, Dr. Forbes may discuss lifestyle modifications, oral medications (like PDE5 inhibitors), vacuum erection devices, injection therapy (intracavernosal injections), or in some cases, surgical options like penile implants. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause of ED and individual patient factors and preferences.

What does a vasectomy involve if performed by Dr. Forbes?

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for permanent male contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Dr. Forbes would perform this procedure, usually in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. It's a highly effective form of birth control. It's important to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and the fact that it's considered permanent with Dr. Forbes beforehand.

What does a Urologist like Dr. Forbes specialize in?

A Urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females, as well as conditions of the male reproductive system. This includes organs like the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis). She is a Urologist specializing in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Dr. Forbes provides comprehensive care for a wide range of these conditions.

1952 Bay St, Royal Jubilee Hospital - OR
Victoria, BC V8R 1J8

Phone: (250) 370-8000

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Forbes is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Forbes for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335714/Forbes%2CEllen