Achi news desk-
Prince Edward Island’s Department of Health and Welfare is introducing new protocols aimed at reducing the number of visits to emergency departments and improving access to care.
Starting Tuesday, Island EMS introduced new policies that will help paramedics decide whether people should receive care in the community or in the emergency department.
Before the change, paramedics were required to take all patients to the emergency department, including those who might be better served elsewhere.
According to a Tuesday news release from the province, as many as 35 percent of patients would refuse transport, leaving them on their own to access further care.
“Paramedics will ensure safe, timely and high quality care for patients treated at home; all patients will receive a follow-up call within 24 hours to confirm that their healthcare needs have been met,” said Health and Wellbeing Minister Mark McLane.
Now, when Islanders call 911, paramedics will have the option to connect them to additional ways to receive care, including:
- services such as prescription refills
- community paramedics (paramedics treating patients on site)
- access to other healthcare professionals
The Department of Health and Welfare and the Island’s EMS are also introducing Community Paramedic Response Units (CPRUs) to provide comprehensive care in the community.
The province says CPRUs are staffed by a Senior Care Community Paramedic and are supported by physician supervision.
“The CPRU team has all the necessary medical equipment to provide diagnostics and treatments at a patient’s home,” the statement read.
“Islanders will also receive ongoing follow-up, in the comfort of their home, from the UCRU team and be linked to appropriate care in the community.”
For more news about Prince Edward Island visit our dedicated provincial page.
