Health Updates
The list below represents just some of the changes/improvements that we have made to improve and transform our health system
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Last Updated: December 2024
Dec 18, 2024 - PEI sees strong growth in healthcare workforce, boosting access to primary care for Islanders
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Dec 18, 2024 - Training and supporting more students than ever before to join our growing healthcare team
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Dec 17, 2024 - Recruiting more nurses to support PEI healthcare system
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/recruiting-more-nurses-to-support-pei-healthcare-system
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Dec 16, 2024 - Free program to help Islanders quit smoking expands to pharmacies
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Dec 13, 2024 - Health PEI announces Phase 2 of System Transformation, focused on improved access to care
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Dec 6, 2024 - Health PEI and local Ophthalmologists partner to address Cataract Surgery wait times
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Nov 25, 2024 - Government supports student placement at two private long-term care homes
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Nov 20, 2024 - Physiotherapists with additional training can order X-rays
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/physiotherapists-with-additional-training-can-order-x-rays
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Nov 13, 2024 - Health PEI welcomes new associate physicians and physician assistant
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Nov 12, 2024 - Three specialist physicians hired in first week of November
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Oct 23, 2024 - Pharmacy Plus PEI program marks two-year anniversary
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pharmacy-plus-pei-program-marks-two-year-anniversary
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Sept 26, 2024 - Continuing the conversation, Minister launches phase two of Focus on the Frontline
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Sept 26, 2024 - Educating more RNs at UPEI to support the healthcare system
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Sept 16, 2024 - Free shingles vaccine program expanded to include Islanders 50 and over
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August 30, 2024 - Expansion of PEI Insulin Pump Program
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/expansion-of-pei-insulin-pump-program/
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August 22, 2024 - New $2 Million Health Innovative fund launched to improve access to care for Islanders
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August 14, 2024 - New agreement with physicians gives them more time for patient care
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August 13, 2024 - PEI expands nursing roles to improve healthcare access
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pei-expands-nursing-roles-to-improve-healthcare-access/
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August 13, 2024 - PEI leads nation by recognizing family medicine as standalone specialty
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August 8, 2023- New five-year deal with physicians will lead to better access to care for Islanders and give PEI a competitive edge in recruitment and retention
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August 6, 2024- Internationally educated nurses eligible for bursary
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/internationally-educated-nurses-eligible-for-bursary/
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July 31, 2024- Province launches Marion L. Reid tuition grant to support students in healthcare-related studies and increases George Coles Bursary
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July 24, 2024- 32 new physicians hired in first half of 2024: Mid-year update on physician hiring
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July 23, 2024- Virtual Hallway improves access to specialists, decreases waiting lists
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July 15, 2024- New benefit provides financial support to primary caregivers
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July 10, 2024 - Allied Health Professionals eligible for recruitment incentive
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June 21, 2024- Task Force named to improve services for Islanders with complex needs
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May 29, 2024- New funding for community-led initiatives to welcome and retain health care professionals
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May 10, 2024- Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Government of Prince Edward Island sign program delivery agreement for internationally educated nurses
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May 7, 2024- New paramedic initiatives aimed at reducing ED visits and improving access to care
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April 10, 2024- PEI invests almost $25 million in long term care
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pei-invests-almost-25-million-in-long-term-care
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April 9, 2024- Age restriction removed for pharmacist assessment of uncomplicated UTIs
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Feb 26, 2024- New grant supports training for health care professionals
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/new-grant-supports-training-for-health-care-professionals
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Feb 23, 2024- Province’s first-ever mental health and addictions emergency department ready to open
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Feb 6, 2024- New Primary Access clinic opens in Montague.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/new-primary-access-clinic-opens-in-montague
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December 8, 2023- New housing in Alberton supports people with mental health, addictions
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November 6, 2023- Hundreds of nurses and care support workers hired across the province
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November 3, 2023- Province recruiting physician assistants to join health care system
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October 19, 2023 - Long term care review identifies recommendations for enhancement
October 12, 2023 - PEI expanding safe use of Biosimilars
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pei-expanding-safe-use-of-biosimilars
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October 4, 2023 - Prescribe IT, integration with Health PEI EMR Program ushers in a new era of health care in Prince Edward island
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October 4, 2023 - Island residents covered under PEI drug programs can now receive up to a 90-day supply of more medications
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September 20, 2023 - Health PEI creates navigator position to support caregivers and families of children with complex needs.
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September 18, 2023 - Health care services added to Access PEI
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/health-care-services-added-to-access-pei
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August 16, 2023 - Improving affordability and accessibility of medications in Prince Edward Island
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August 15, 2023 -Free tuition available for licensed practical nursing and paramedicine students
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July 10, 2023- New common ailments and conditions added to Pharmacy Plus PEI
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June 15, 2023 - Associate Physicians and Physician Assistants added to health care system
June 14, 2023 - Government reimburses Island nurses for language proficiency test
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June 13, 2023 - PEI launches peer-to-peer virtual consult platform, improving access to specialist care
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June 9, 2023 - P.E.I. moves to lower hiring hurdles for international nurses
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June 9, 2023 – CRNMPEI announces a new model of Internationally Educated Nurse registration coming in the Summer of 2023.
https://crnpei.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Press-Release-June-9-2023.pdf
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June 2, 2023 - More than 1,000 Islanders benefit from Substance Use Harm Reduction Drug Program
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May 31, 2023 - Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island announce Drug Plan changes coming into effect on June 1, 2023 ($5 co-pay)
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May 1, 2023 - PEI to benefit from Atlantic Registry physician licensing partnership.