All P.E.I. emergency departments experiencing longer than usual wait times

Wait times at all emergency departments on Prince Edward Island are longer than usual due to an increased numbers of patients showing up for medical care, Health P.E.I. said Thursday afternoon.

In a news release, the agencysaid anyonewith a less-severe illness or injuryshould expect a longer wait, while thosewith more serious issues will be seen more quickly.

Health P.E.I. said people with serious health problems should continue to seek care at the emergency department and stay in the emergency department until they've been seen.

Estimated hospital emergency departmentwait times are available here.

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Health P.E.I. says people with less-urgent needs should make an appointment with their primary-care provider if they have one, or visit a pharmacyor walk-in clinic. People without a family doctor or nurse practitioner who are on the province's Patient Registry can also choose to access the virtual care program offered through Maple free of charge.

People can also call 811 to ask to speak to an experienced registered nurse if they are not sure how serious their issue is.

The health authority said anyone with emergency medical needs should call 911 or seek emergency services when:

• They are experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest, unusual shortness of breath, abdominal pain orprolonged and persistent headache or dizziness.
• An injury may require stitches or involve a broken bone.
• A child has prolonged diarrhea or vomiting.
• A baby under six months of age has a fever of 38C (100.4F) or higher.