Renovations to improve security and work flow in the triage area of the Emergency Department at the Prince County Hospital (PCH) are moving to the next phase of development.
Security incidents are becoming more prevalent in health care settings across the country, a trend that is now starting to occur in health care facilities on Prince Edward Island. “The safety and security of health care staff and patients are top priorities for the Department of Health,” says Health Minister, Doug Currie. “Security issues were recently brought forward by staff and physicians at the Prince County Hospital. The renovations planned for the Emergency Department will address these concerns, as well as provide a safe environment for health care staff and patients.”
Renovations to the facility include an update to the triage and admitting areas as well as the addition of a new security office. A private, negative pressure room will also be added to the observation area of the Department to complement existing infection control measures.
As of March 6, people seeking walk-in emergency care will be directed to use a different entrance to access the Emergency Department. The new door will be well marked and is located next to the existing entrance.
“We want to let the public know that, during construction, parts of our Emergency Department, such as the triage area, admitting desk and waiting room, will be temporarily relocated,” says Marsha Pyke, Director of Support Services at PCH. “A commissionaire will be located at the temporary entrance to guide patients to the emergency triage nurse and directions will be posted throughout the hospital.”
Treatment space in the Emergency Department will occasionally be affected during the renovation period, which may cause longer than normal wait times for non-urgent cases only. People seeking non-emergency medical treatment may wish to contact their family physician, if possible.