Expect longer wait times at all P.E.I. emergency departments

All P.E.I. hospitals facing longer wait times Emergency departments in P.E.I. are facing longer wait times than usual. The increased patient volume means more are waiting for a bed.

Health PEI is advising people that emergency departments across the province are facing longer than usual wait times.

If anyone goes to an emergency room with “less severe illnesses,” they should expect longer waits to see a physician, according to a Thursday news release.

However, the health authority says triage nurses will assess people, as usual, when they arrive at an emergency room.

“People experiencing serious illness or injury should continue to seek emergency care at the emergency department,” the release says.

Once triaged, people should also stay in the emergency room until they are seen by a physician, Health PEI says.

The increased volume at emergency departments means more people are waiting for a bed. People can see estimated wait times for emergency departments here.

Health PEI encourages people to who need less urgent care to:

People without a primary care provider can use the Health PEI Virtual Care program, offered through Maple free of charge.

On Tuesday, the health authority warned people the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown was experiencing long wait times due to increased patient volumes.

Anyone with emergency medical needs should call 9-1-1 or seek emergency services when:

If people require advice about the best course of action for medicals needs, they can call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse for more information.

For more Prince Edward Island news visit our dedicated provincial page.