The Eastern Kings Health Information Service was officially opened in Souris today to provide residents of Eastern Kings with community access to consumer health information.
Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover said the new service provides residents with easy access to health information at the community level. "People can now visit the Centre at the Souris Main Street Mall to access information by computer on health and health services in the area."
The Centre is located outside the Souris Pharmasave and Pharmasave employees are available to help people search for information on computer about health topics, specific diseases, and services and supports in the health sector and the community. There is no charge to use the service.
Minister Dover said the Eastern Kings Centre was established in response to community requests. "The demand for consumer health information is increasing at a very rapid pace. Many people now seek health information as a first step in taking more responsibility and control over their health. Health professionals are also asking for more information for their own use and the use of their patients."
The new service is a partnership of the Souris Pharmasave, the Eastern Kings Health Region and the provincial Health Information Resource Centre which is located in Charlottetown.
Minister Dover said that while health information is accessible to all Islanders by telephone through the provincial Health Information Resource Centre, the service has been greatly enhanced by the project partners in Eastern Kings. "By making the service directly available at the local level, many more people are likely to use it and learn from it."
Islanders use the provincial Health Information Resource Centre in Charlottetown for self help, to prevent health problems, and to cope with a disease or health problem, especially chronic illness. It is also used by individuals to help make treatment decisions and to raise and discuss issues with health professionals.
Health providers use the Centre for patient education and professional development.
About 75% of requests are from the public, and 25% from health providers.
For more information contact: Jean Doherty, Health and Community Services at 368-6257