The Province of Prince Edward Island has donated $165,000 to the Community Hospital O’Leary equipment fund, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Community Hospital O’Leary plays an integral role in our health-care system providing extended care support to Islanders who still need hospital care after surgery or illness, as well as palliative care,” said Minister Currie. “This commitment to the foundation’s equipment fund is part of our province’s ongoing efforts to ensure the highest quality health-care services for O’Leary residents.”
In 2010, government invested approximately $3 million in the new 14,700 square foot O’Leary health centre which includes 16 exam rooms, an ambulatory care room, as well as offices and meeting rooms for physicians, nurses and staff. Primary care services include walk-in, ambulatory care, diabetes programs and community mental health programs.
In 2013, a fifteen-bed extension was opened in the Margaret Stewart Ellis Wing of the hospital.
Access to primary care in the area has increased with the addition of two new nurse practitioner (NP) positions. Nurse practitioners work in collaboration with family physicians and help to improve access to health services, reduce wait times and alleviate pressures on the health-care system by providing clients with diagnosis and curative interventions, wellness strategies and early interventions. The NPs will be based out of O’Leary and also provide services to Alberton, Tyne Valley and Tignish. One of those NPs has already started and the other is expected to begin at the end of October.
“I would like to thank our health-care professionals and all the staff and volunteers at Community Hospital O’Leary for their continued efforts on behalf of our Island-wide, health-care system,” said Minister Currie. “I would also like to thank the Community Hospital Foundation and the people of O’Leary for their fundraising efforts and their continued support to the hospital and the many health-care options available in the area.”