Health PEI advises that ambulance diversion from Western Hospital in Alberton will end at 7 p.m. today, except for August 18, 21, 23, 27 and 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Diversion has been lifted because Health PEI was able to achieve more stable physician coverage in the emergency department for the remainder of August.
On those same five days, the emergency department will be closed from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. the following day. Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 9-1-1 or seek emergency services at the Prince County Hospital or the Queen Elizabeth Hospital when:
• experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest;
• experiencing unusual shortness of breath;
• experiencing abdominal pain;
• experiencing prolonged and persistent headache or dizziness;
• an injury may require stitches or involve a broken bone;
• a child has prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; or
• a baby under six months of age has a fever of 38°C (100.4° F) or higher.
In non-urgent situations, Islanders are encouraged to visit their family physician’s office or a walk-in clinic. Locations and hours are available at www.healthpei.ca/walkinclinics.