The upcoming patient medical home situated at the new medical school of UPEI is set to commence operations next week, as mentioned by Health P.E.I. CEO Melanie Fraser. Initially, the facility will have a team of approximately 12 individuals, with plans to expand the staff to over 30 in the future. About 100 patients will be accommodated at the onset, with a gradual increase expected.
Medical homes provide a comprehensive array of services, with physicians collaborating closely with various healthcare professionals. Fraser has previously indicated that the UPEI medical home aims to serve around 10,000 patients within a two-year timeframe.
Presently, there are over 35,500 individuals on the provincial patient registry awaiting assignment to a primary care provider. Fraser informed members of the legislative assembly that a significant challenge in reducing the registry is the potential scenario where up to 3,000 patients are left without a physician due to retirements, necessitating the addition of two to three new physicians to manage the workload.
Health P.E.I. is actively working towards improving access to healthcare for Islanders. Fraser highlighted the successful elimination of the waitlist for cataract surgery and the rise in virtual healthcare consultations. Moreover, there has been an uptick in MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound services, along with the availability of open-access mental health counseling without the need for a referral.
Fraser expressed satisfaction with the investments made in the UPEI medical school, emphasizing their positive outcomes. The integration of patient medical homes into the school’s curriculum has been emphasized, with the P.E.I. campus of Memorial University’s faculty of medicine welcoming its inaugural students this academic term.
Looking ahead, Health P.E.I. aims to leverage the educational environment of the new clinic. Fraser highlighted the support from various faculties and the potential for numerous learners, including nurses, kinesiologists, and physicians, to contribute to the facility.
The scheduled opening of the patient medical home at UPEI’s new medical school brings promising prospects for enhanced healthcare services and educational collaborations in the region.