Health PEI

🎄✨ Happy Holidays! ✨🎄 From all of us at Health PEI, we wish you a season filled with joy, good health, and happiness. Stay safe and take care of each other. ❤️🩺

In November 2024, Health PEI welcomed a physician assistant and four associate physicians: medical professionals who are helping ease the burden on physicians, decrease wait times and improve access to care for Islanders. Read more: https://bit.ly/4iM2cHQ #transforminghealthcare

Play a vital role in enhancing the way we support thousands of islanders in one of Canada’s fastest-growing provinces. We’re recruiting nurse practitioners from across Canada. Learn more about our signing incentives! https://lnkd.in/gF_5nnvb

“One thing I love about the Community Health Engagement Committee (CHEC) is they’re not stuck on all the things that are wrong with the health care system or all the challenges,” said Ryan Fahey, eastern chair of the CHEC. “They want to help find solutions.” CHECs provide regional input to the Minister of Health and Wellness and to Health PEI with respect to health services and health policy. They gather to consider information from the public about health needs, identifying issues, providing feedback related to health policy, and the delivery of health services in their communities. Ryan has a background in health education and was looking for a way to be involved in a leadership capacity after moving to the Island. “I was speaking with my wife, who is a nurse practitioner with Health PEI, about my desire to get involved. I completed the application form for the CHEC, and it went from there.” Ryan has a lifelong passion for health and wellness. “I studied human kinetics and sports medicine, and I was really into science and human movement. I started a personal-training business in university that branched into wellness coaching. That evolved over the years to working in education, specifically physical education within schools,” said Ryan. “I’ve always been really passionate about wellness, and having the opportunity to work in health and wellness is just kind of who I am.” Ryan said the members of the CHEC are diverse and enthusiastic. “We have so many walks of life on the CHEC: people from government, people who are retired, newcomers to the Island, and many who work within different sectors on and off Island.” The CHECs bring in guest speakers to share different aspects of the health care system. “We recently had a presentation on the Patient Medical Homes. We leave with a better understanding of how the system functions, so when we hear concerns from the community, we have the knowledge and information to better educate the public.” Ryan says his biggest role as the eastern chair of the CHEC is listening. “Listening to the community and their needs, what they see as challenges and opportunities. Ensuring that during meetings and even in between meetings, people feel they have a voice and are heard. Outside of that, it’s about mobilization. Determining what needs to be shared with Health PEI as a board member, what needs to be talked about operationally, and what do we need to learn from the community. A lot of listening and moving the information up the chain.” When asked if he had advice for other Islanders, Ryan said, “Get involved. There are not enough leaders that step into these roles. We have people on this committee who are brand new to the Island, and it’s so important to hear their voices. Let your voice be heard!” If you would like to serve as a member of the CHEC or any other provincial government agency, board, or commission, you can apply online through Engage PEI (https://bit.ly/3ZLdfIS).

“I can spend 10 to 20 minutes on the phone consulting with a nurse practitioner or family doctor, and we can often avoid the months of waiting it might take for one of their patients to get an appointment with me.” – Dr. Pat Bergin. Virtual Hallway is an online scheduling platform that allows doctors and nurse practitioners to connect with specialists in PEI and Nova Scotia to receive patient-specific advice through an expedited phone consultation. In the first 10 months of its operation, nearly 87 percent of virtual consultations avoided the need for an in-person referral. Read more about Virtual Hallway: https://bit.ly/4bWfSLZ

As a physician on Prince Edward Island, you don’t have to choose between a rewarding career and a fulfilling life! https://lnkd.in/ePVSFZKq

"After I retired, I really needed something to do. I wanted meaning and purpose in my day," said Patricia (Pat) Atkin. "I had no idea how much pleasure I would get by volunteering until I started. I've always enjoyed people, so I wasn't surprised how well I fit in the role." Learn more about Pat’s journey from licensed practical nurse to QEH volunteer.

Health PEI is seeking skilled Physiotherapists to play a vital role in patient care on the Island. Explore the many opportunities that await. https://lnkd.in/eJQbFm-J

“I’ve helped many people who have walked through the doors at the Prince County Hospital and that’s why I like it, to try and ease the stress and fear some people have. I find it very meaningful.” Meet Geri Grant, a 27-year PCH hospital volunteer. https://lnkd.in/egfRXxiu

📅 Looking back 👀 In May 2024 Midwifery Services began helping Island clients navigate the birthing process. Since then, they’ve helped deliver over a dozen babies with more on the way! https://lnkd.in/eXgg527B