There was a small crowd, but great discussion at the first of seven community health information sessions, said Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“I want to thank all those who came out today,” said Minister Currie. “These sessions are designed to educate Islanders on the changes coming to Prince Edward Island's health care system and allow them to ask any questions they may have.”
About 25 community members were in attendance. Minister Currie spoke on the changing need of health care in Prince Edward Island and across our country. “We are looking at health care services from an integrated, province-wide lens,” said Minister Currie.
Dr. Richard Wedge, Interim CEO of Health PEI outlined the implementation and rationale of the Better Access, Better Care changes. “We need all of our facilities, and we need to ensure that we have acute care beds for our most sick Islanders.”
Comments from the public included complementing the enhancements to ground ambulances and the care received at community hospitals. Dr. Rosemary Henderson from the QEH spoke about her support for this direction and the fact there is far greater risk with doing nothing.
Some questions asked were concerning the ability of physicians to admit patients to Souris, and the capacity of O'Leary and Souris Hospitals to care for the volume of extended care patients. Dr. Wedge outlined that local physicians will still be able to admit to extended care facilities (O'Leary and Souris) depending on the illness. If patients in Souris or O'Leary Hospitals need specialized care, they may need to be transferred to an acute hospitals. Dr. Wedge also indicated that all of our hospitals will continue to have the ability to do extended care. The new design will help to better use our existing beds.
In response to questions around staffing, Minister Currie outlined that there will be no job loss as a result of these changes, and that the province continues to look at creative initiatives for recruitment and retention in the province.
“This was a great meeting with good questions and conversation,” said Minister Currie. “We will continue over the weeks to engage our health care providers and Island communities.”
Community information sessions will be taking place in Alberton, Souris, 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 .