Expect longer than normal wait times at Island Emergency Departments

As we head into the holiday weekend, Islanders are asked to expect longer than normal wait times for treatment in Emergency Departments.

“Our Emergency Departments have already been short staffed this summer, but the problem is pronounced as we see an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the general population and among our staff,” said Dr. Michael Gardam, CEO of Health PEI. “What we’re advising is, if your issue is less than urgent, the Emergency Department is not the place to take it this holiday weekend.”

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

• experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest;
• experiencing unusual shortness of breath;
• experiencing abdominal pain;
• experiencing prolonged and persistent headache or dizziness;
• an injury may require stitches or involve a broken bone;
• a child has prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; or
• a baby under six months of age has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.

Media Contact:
Dave Atkinson
Senior Communications Officer
902-213-5936
datkinson@ihis.org