The 24-hour telephone service that connects Islanders with free health-care information will continue.
Health Minister Doug Currie announced Tuesday that the 811 Telehealth service, which started in September 2013, would continue to be offered in the province after the signing of a new contract with McKesson Canada.
P.E.I. is partnering with Nova Scotia to continue to offer service, with this province paying $2.4 million to continue the contract from December 2014 to March 2019.
“Approximately 50 Islanders access the 811 telehealth service each day,” said Currie. “Islanders are confident in the advice they are receiving to make informed decisions regarding their health.”
The 811 service connects Islanders with an experienced registered nurse who will provide advice and information, helping callers to navigate the health-care system and direct them to the appropriate type of care.
The service is offered seven days a week and available in more than 120 languages.
Since the service began there have been more than 15,000 calls. The service, which costs government about $28 per call, is free to the caller.
“Advice may include a recommendation to see a health care provider, to go to an emergency room or self care options,” said Deborah Bradley, Health P.E.I.’s executive director of community health. “This can help alleviate pressures on physicians as well as the emergency room.”
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Quelle/Source: Journal Pioneer, 02.12.2014
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