Islanders without a Primary Care Provider will have access to Virtual Healthcare from Home

Islanders on the wait list for a new primary care provider have started receiving invitations to an innovative new program that will allow them to access care from home during COVID-19.

“By investing in virtual care, we are able to provide stable access to healthcare for Islanders who do not have a Primary Care Provider. The program will help prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and save hospital resources for Islanders who need those services the most.”

- James Aylward, Minister of Health and Wellness

Created in partnership with telemedicine provider Maple, the Virtual Care for Patients without a Primary Care Provider program lets Islanders access PEI physicians through their smartphone, tablet, or computer during specified clinic hours.

“When working full time in the ER, I found I still had several hours each week to see additional patients outside of my shifts, something I have also heard from PEI physicians” said Dr. Brett Belchetz, CEO & Co-founder of Maple. “By pooling those extra hours and delivering care virtually, we’re able to distribute that capacity to Islanders across the province.”

“Virtual Care is helping to transform the way Island patients are receiving their healthcare.” said Dr. André Celliers Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Health PEI. ”We are pleased to be able to offer this program to Island patients without a Primary Care Provider during COVID-19.” 

Invitations to the program during the initial roll out are being prioritized to ensure Islanders who have been on the Provincial Patient Registry longest are able to access the program first. 

Patients who receive an invitation may sign up for the program with their PEI Health Card number, complete a health profile and add past medical history with a guarantee of confidentiality.

To learn more about the program visit: Virtual Health Care for Islanders without a Primary Care Provider.

About Maple
Maple is a technology platform that tackles some of the world’s most meaningful issues in healthcare, starting with timely and convenient access to doctors and other healthcare providers including dermatologists, psychiatrists, and oncology navigation experts. It allows patients to connect directly with doctors and specialists for medical care in minutes from their smartphone or computer 24/7, and provides custom technology solutions for hospitals and clinics seeking to advance their delivery of care. Learn more at Get Maple.

Media Contacts:
Everton McLean
Senior Communications Officer, Health PEI
emclean@gov.pe.ca
902-213-1507

Katie MacKay
Director Marketing Communications, Maple
katie@getmaple.ca