Dr. Richard Wedge, Medical Director for East Prince Health, announced today that there will be a disruption to anaesthetist coverage at Prince County Hospital (PCH) each day after 3 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following morning, today through Thursday, August 29 and from Saturday, August 31 at 7 a.m. until Tuesday, September 3 at 7 a.m. East Prince Health officials are working with Queens Region Health to provide any necessary obstetrical and emergency surgical coverage at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
On the dates affected, emergency surgical services will be referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital through the PCH Emergency Department. Ambulance operators are being notified of this temporary situation and necessary emergency transportation backup is being arranged.
Patients will still have full access to the PCH Emergency Department for medical stabilization and assessment. With respect to obstetrical services (those expecting to deliver babies), physicians and expectant parents are being encouraged to discuss a care plan to ensure all needs are met.
Dr. Wedge noted that, "While we regret this inconvenience to the public, generally there is no change for most people who will be accessing PCH services on the dates affected."
The disruption of services is due to the unavailability of current anaesthetists working at Prince County Hospital. The hospital currently has one full-time anaesthetist. Prince County Hospital has an approved complement of three full-time anaesthetist positions, and ongoing locum or temporary anaesthetist coverage has been arranged over recent months.
Dr. Wedge stated that he is pleased that an offer has been accepted by an anaesthetist to fill a second full-time position at the hospital. It is anticipated that the individual will commence employment on October 1st. East Prince Health officials are continuing efforts to recruit another anaesthetist for the third position.
Health care organizations across the country are currently challenged by a global shortage of anaesthetists.
For further information, call (902) 888-9140.