Hospital Transfers

Why would I be transferred to another hospital?

Planning your care begins when you are admitted to the hospital. Your health care team will develop a plan of care that is right for you. In some cases, this may include a transfer to another hospital on Prince Edward Island where you will continue to receive the care and services you need on your Patient Care Journey.

If you no longer require the range of services offered at your current hospital, you may be transferred to another hospital where your care needs can continue to be met. If a transfer is part of your care plan, you and your family will be informed by a member of your health care team.

How is the decision made to transfer me to another hospital? 

Your health care team will assess your care needs and determine the most appropriate setting for your ongoing care. If another hospital can better meet your current care needs, a transfer may be part of your care plan. 

Your health care team will discuss the transfer with you and answer any questions you may have. 

Will the hospital I am transferred to know my patient history? 

When your health care team decides that you will be transferred to another hospital, they will communicate with the receiving health care team to ensure your patient history and care needs are shared and that the receiving hospital is prepared to provide the care you require. 

Can I refuse a transfer to another hospital? 

Your health care team will discuss the proposed transfer with you and explain why it is being recommended. If you have questions or concerns, you are encouraged to discuss them with your care team. 

The goal of any transfer is to ensure you continue to receive the care and services that best meet your needs. 

Will I have to pay the ambulance transfer fee? 

Island residents with a valid PEI Health Card who are transferred to another hospital will not be required to pay the ambulance transfer fee. Details of your transfer will be communicated in advance. 

How long will I stay at the hospital I am transferred to? 

Length of stay depends on your individual care needs and plan of care. Your health care team will discuss this with you and keep you informed of any changes to your care plan. 

If I am in hospital waiting for long-term care, can I choose the facility I will be transferred to? 

As part of the long-term care application process, you may choose up to five long-term care facilities in order of preference. 

If you are waiting in hospital and no longer require hospital services, you will be offered the first available long-term care bed that meets your health care needs. This may not be one of your preferred facilities and may be outside of your home region. 

Rather than remaining in hospital, you will wait in a long-term care setting that can meet your care needs. This allows you to receive care in the most appropriate setting while ensuring hospital beds remain available for patients who require hospital services. 

Accepting a first available bed does not change your original waitlist priority date. 

Will accepting a first available long-term care bed affect my priority for my preferred facility? 

No. Accepting a first available long-term care bed does not affect your original waitlist priority date or your ability to be considered for your preferred long-term care facilities. 

If you are placed in a first available bed outside of your home region (more than 35 km from your preferred community), you will be given priority for transfer to the first available appropriate bed within your preferred community when one becomes available.