Queen Elizabeth Hospital operating in a state of overcapacity: Health PEI

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital ER is pictured in Charlottetown. (Jack Morse/CTV Atlantic)

Health PEI is asking Islanders to be patient as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown operates in a state of overcapacity.

The health authority says the provincial health-care system has been operating over its normal capacity in acute and long-term care since early January.

“These conditions prevent the usual flow of patients through the system from emergency departments to medical units or to appropriate care facilities outside of the hospital. It also slows emergency departments’ ability to see patients in a timely manner,” reads a news release from Health PEI.

To meet the increased demand, Health PEI says temporary beds have been set up throughout the hospital, “including in unconventional spaces.”

“The public is asked for patience as QEH staff work hard to ensure patients are provided with the best care possible in the midst of a stressful environment,” reads the release.

Health PEI is reminding Islanders to only use emergency departments for urgent and emergency needs and to consider other care options when appropriate.

For those who need assistance finding care, the health authority suggests reaching out the Health PEI Patient Navigator.

Health PEI says it will assess conditions daily and provide updates as needed.

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.