P.E.I. hospitals facing 'significant overcapacity' amid cold, flu season

A hospital bed is seen in a New Brunswick hospital in an undated file photo.

Prince Edward Island is trying to expand the amount of available beds in hospitals amid “significant overcapacity.”

In a news release, Health PEI said health facilities are expecting increased patient volumes amid the cold and flu season, which could further limit the amount of beds.

“The health-care system across Prince Edward Island is currently facing significant overcapacity resulting in limited bed availability,” the release said. “While our system is under strain, Health PEI is implementing a range of measures to manage patient volumes both now and in preparation for the ongoing cold and flu season.”

Health PEI says some of those measures include:

• increasing the number of available critical care beds
• expanding bed capacity beyond traditional spaces
• prioritizing long-term care beds for patients in hospital
• reducing inpatient transition times
• establishing dedicated discharge areas in hospitals
• streamlining discharge policies

“To improve patient flow and address these challenges, Health PEI has established a Hospital Overcapacity Command Table, which will help ensure enhanced coordination and movement of patients across the system, including community-based services and facilities,” said Melanie Fraser, CEO of Health PEI, in the release.

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