Island hospitals still under strain, but conditions improving, says Health P.E.I.

P.E.I. hospitals continue to experience "significant capacity issues," the provincial health agency says. 

Health P.E.I.'s said in a written statement that its emergency plan remains activated, but the situation is slowly improving. 

"There are fewer over-capacity beds and spaces in use than last week. The number of admitted patients held in Emergency Departments without an inpatient bed is also down," the statement reads. 

On Jan. 9, Health P.E.I. established an emergency response aimed at improving patient flow. At the time, it said all ERs across the province were over capacity. In Charlottetown, one Health P.E.I. official said occupancy was "the highest number that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has really ever had admitted." 

The agency also implemented a policy, which began Monday, requiring all patients and staff to wear a mask in facilities where care is provided. 

"Other jurisdictions have been seeing a surge in influenza activity in the last few weeks, and Health PEI is monitoring and preparing for the same to happen here," the agency said in its statement. 

"We ask Islanders to do their part to stay healthy through vaccination, handwashing, staying home when sick, and masking where it is encouraged."

Health P.E.I. said it continues to work to improve patient flow and bed availability in its health-care facilities. 

Islanders who need to access health care outside of a hospital or clinic are advised to call 811 to speak to a registered nurse or see their local pharmacist for assessment and treatment for common ailments.