As in previous years, several Island hospitals plan to temporarily close acute care beds during the holiday season; however, it will be over a shorter period of time, says Keith Dewar, CEO of Health PEI.
“Due to the efforts of staff and physicians across our health system in leading initiatives to improve our staffing levels and our utilization of acute care beds, we are able to keep more beds open this year going into the holiday season compared to prior years,” Dewar said. “Hopefully this will ensure that staff are able to take their planned holiday time while ensuring our patients do not remain waiting in our emergency departments for extended periods of time.”
Health systems across the country generally close acute care beds during the holiday season due to reduced demand for elective procedures as well as recognizing the importance of ensuring staff and physicians have the ability to take much-deserved time off. The number of beds that are kept open is determined by the demand for these beds and the availability of staff to safely operate the required beds.
Temporary acute care bed closures will take place during the holiday period as follows:
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital: closing 43 beds from December 23 - January 2
• Prince County Hospital: closing 18 beds from December 21 - January 3
• Kings County Memorial Hospital: closing 5 beds from December 24 - January 3
• Souris Hospital: closing 5 beds from December 22 - January 3
• Stewart Memorial Hospital: closing 5 beds from December 22 - January 3
• Similar to previous years, there will be a slight reduction in elective surgical services for a two-week period at both Prince County and Queen Elizabeth hospitals
• No bed closures are planned at Community Hospital O’Leary and Western Hospital.
Emergency departments will remain fully operational. In urgent medical situations, Islanders should continue to seek services at the nearest hospital emergency department or call 9-1-1.
Persons requiring non-urgent care are encouraged to seek services at their family physician’s office or a walk-in clinic. There are many walk-in clinics located across Prince Edward Island that provide non-urgent medical care; for a full list, visit www.healthpei.ca/walkinclinics.
Islanders are reminded to bring their provincial health card and their current list of medications when going to hospital. For more information, please visit www.healthpei.ca.