Prince Edward Island’s 8-1-1 telehealth service continues to see a high volume of calls from Islanders, providing better access and better care to non-emergency health care support, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Since the service was made available two years ago, its ease of access to non-emergency health advice and information has been one of the service’s greatest strengths,” added Minister Currie. “Having this professional help from a registered nurse whenever and wherever needed is key, and can really make a difference for the caller and their next steps.”
Over the past two years, the 8-1-1 service has received over 25,000 calls, with the majority of callers being female. The percentage of repeat callers has risen dramatically, from 6.7 per cent in September 2013, to 47 per cent in June 2015. More than half of callers are advised to see a primary care provider, while about 20 per cent are advised to seek assistance at a nearby emergency department.
“Islanders are finding the 8-1-1 service to be a great source of support for a variety of reasons, from information to better navigate the health system to strategies for managing cold symptoms, coughs, and rashes,” said Marilyn Barrett, Director of Primary Care and Chronic Disease. “Emergency department numbers are trending downward on Prince Edward Island and we feel the 8-1-1 service is one contributing factor to this trend.”
Paul and Erika Young, parents of two young children, recall using the 8-1-1 service shortly after it became available in 2013. “One night, our youngest daughter had been experiencing trouble breathing, and so we called 8-1-1 for guidance,” said Mr. Young. “We were so impressed by the level of service we received, they listened to our daughter’s breathing over the phone, and advised us to seek immediate care from the nearest emergency department, whereas otherwise we were planning on waiting until the morning.” The Young family continues to use the service to this day.
Islanders are reminded that the 8-1-1 telehealth service is available in more than 120 languages. For those with hearing impairments, the service can be accessed by calling 7-1-1.
For emergency needs, Islanders are encouraged to call 9-1-1.
For more information on the 8-1-1 service, visit www.healthpei.ca/811.