The large turnout at the Souris community information session indicates how deeply the people of Eastern Kings care about their health services and their community, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
"I was glad to have the opportunity tonight to listen to concerns and clarify some information," said the minister. "I appreciate the comments I heard regarding emergency services, physicians and the need to preserve rural health care. They will be carefully considered as we move forward to improve the use of all our resources."
Health PEI CEO Dr. Richard Wedge outlined new provincial initiatives and the specific changes people will see in Kings County.
Souris Hospital will specialize in extended care for people who still need hospital and 24-hour nursing and other care. The number of beds will not change. Lab, X-ray and walk-in services will remain. Primary care will be expanded.
Kings County residents will also benefit from better access to specialized acute care at the QEH. They now receive 60 per cent of their acute services at the QEH, 24 per cent at KCMH and 16 per cent at Souris Hospital.
Ambulance services will improve in Kings County with the addition of a new rapid response unit. This medically-equipped SUV will be staffed by a highly trained paramedic who will initiate assessment and treatment. He or she will be in constant contact with the ambulance until it arrives, if indeed transport is necessary.
More Community information sessions will be taking place in Tyne Valley, O'Leary, Summerside and Montague. Details on times and locations for these meetings and information on Better Access, Better Care can be found online at www.betteraccessbettercare.ca or by calling 1-800-236-5196