Health Updates
The list below represents just some of the changes/improvements that we have made to improve and transform our health system
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Last Updated: November 2025
May 1, 2023 - PEI to benefit from Atlantic Registry physician licensing partnership.
May 31, 2023 - Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island announce Drug Plan changes coming into effect on June 1, 2023 ($5 co-pay)
June 2, 2023 - More than 1,000 Islanders benefit from Substance Use Harm Reduction Drug Program
June 9, 2023 – CRNMPEI announces a new model of Internationally Educated Nurse registration coming in the Summer of 2023.
https://crnpei.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Press-Release-June-9-2023.pdf
June 9, 2023 - P.E.I. moves to lower hiring hurdles for international nurses
June 13, 2023 - PEI launches peer-to-peer virtual consult platform, improving access to specialist care
June 14, 2023 - Government reimburses Island nurses for language proficiency test
June 15, 2023 - Associate Physicians and Physician Assistants added to health care system
June 30, 2023 -Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island Announce Drug Plan Changes Coming into Effect on July 1, 2023
July 10, 2023
New common ailments and conditions added to Pharmacy Plus PEI
July 14, 2023
Introducing the Mi’kmaq Health Systems Navigators for Prince Edward Island
July 20, 2023
Government of Canada Invests over $5 Million to Support Home and Community Care, Mental Health and Addictions Services in Prince Edward Island
July 21, 2023
Updated policy expands list of insured procedures for Gender Affirming Care
August 2, 2023
Health PEI now offering French home care services in Prince County
August 15, 2023
Free tuition available for licensed practical nursing and paramedicine students
August 16, 2023
Improving affordability and accessibility of medications in Prince Edward Island
September 8, 2023
Public libraries hosting virtual health care workshops.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/public-libraries-hosting-virtual-health-care-workshops
September 18, 2023
Health care services added to Access PEI
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/health-care-services-added-to-access-pei
September 20, 2023
Health PEI creates navigator position to support caregivers and families of children with complex needs.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/health-pei-creates-navigator-position-to-support-caregivers-and-families-of-children-with
October 4, 2023
Island residents covered under PEI drug programs can now receive up to a 90-day supply of more medications
October 11, 2023
Final two buildings will complete the Mental Health and Addictions Campus
October 12, 2023
PEI expanding safe use of Biosimilars
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pei-expanding-safe-use-of-biosimilars
October 13, 2023
Live Well PEI accepting applications for Wellness Grant Program
October 19, 2023
Long term care review identifies recommendations for enhancement
November 3, 2023
Province recruiting physician assistants to join health care system
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/province-recruiting-physician-assistants-to-join-health-care-system
November 6, 2023
Hundreds of nurses and care support workers hired across the province
November 17, 2023
The Willows keeping residents close to home.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/the-willows-keeping-residents-close-to-home
December 8, 2023
New housing in Alberton supports people with mental health, addictions
December 19, 2023
Canada signs $94 million bilateral agreement with Prince Edward Island to improve health care over three years.
December 21, 2023
Provincial Health plan creates a vision to Build a Healthier Tomorrow
Feb 6, 2024
New Primary Access clinic opens in Montague.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/new-primary-access-clinic-opens-in-montague
Feb 21, 2024
New CEO joins Island’s health authority
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/new-ceo-joins-islands-health-authority
Feb 23, 2024
Province’s first-ever mental health and addictions emergency department ready to open
Feb 26, 2024
New grant supports training for health care professionals
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/new-grant-supports-training-for-health-care-professionals
March 26, 2024
Canada signs $29 million bilateral agreement to help Islanders age with dignity
April 9, 2024
Age restriction removed for pharmacist assessment of uncomplicated UTIs
April 10, 2024
PEI invests almost $25 million in long term care
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pei-invests-almost-25-million-in-long-term-care
April 12, 2024
Over 100,000 Pharmacy Plus PEI Assessments
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/over-100000-pharmacy-plus-pei-assessments
May 7, 2024
New paramedic initiatives aimed at reducing ED visits and improving access to care
May 10, 2024
Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Government of Prince Edward Island sign program delivery agreement for internationally educated nurses
May 14, 2024
Islanders invited to provide input on LIVE WELL PEI Action Plan
May 29, 2024
New funding for community-led initiatives to welcome and retain health care professionals
June 5, 2024
Program at QEH involves parents more in their newborn’s care
June 21, 2024
Task Force named to improve services for Islanders with complex needs
July 10, 2024
Allied Health Professionals eligible for recruitment incentive
July 12, 2024
Government releases Digital Health Strategy
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/government-releases-digital-health-strategy
July 15, 2024
New benefit provides financial support to primary caregivers
July 19, 2024
Tentative Agreement reached between PEI physicians, Department of Health and Wellness and Health PEI
July 23, 2024
Virtual Hallway improves access to specialists, decreases waiting lists
July 24, 2024
32 new physicians hired in first half of 2024: Mid-year update on physician hiring
July 31, 2024
Province launches Marion L. Reid tuition grant to support students in healthcare-related studies and increases George Coles Bursary
August 6, 2024
Internationally educated nurses eligible for bursary
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/internationally-educated-nurses-eligible-for-bursary/
August 8, 2023
New five-year deal with physicians will lead to better access to care for Islanders and give PEI a competitive edge in recruitment and retention
August 13, 2024
PEI leads nation by recognizing family medicine as standalone specialty
August 13, 2024
PEI expands nursing roles to improve healthcare access
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pei-expands-nursing-roles-to-improve-healthcare-access/
August 14, 2024
New agreement with physicians gives them more time for patient care
August 22, 2024
New $2 Million Health Innovative fund launched to improve access to care for Islanders
August 30, 2024
Expansion of PEI Insulin Pump Program
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/expansion-of-pei-insulin-pump-program/
Sept 16, 2024
Free shingles vaccine program expanded to include Islanders 50 and over
Sept 26, 2024
Educating more RNs at UPEI to support the healthcare system
Sept 26, 2024
Continuing the conversation, Minister launches phase two of Focus on the Frontline
Oct 23, 2024
Pharmacy Plus PEI program marks two-year anniversary
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pharmacy-plus-pei-program-marks-two-year-anniversary
Nov 12, 2024
Three specialist physicians hired in first week of November
Nov 13, 2024
Health PEI welcomes new associate physicians and physician assistant
Nov 20, 2024
Physiotherapists with additional training can order X-rays
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/physiotherapists-with-additional-training-can-order-x-rays
Nov 25, 2024
Government supports student placement at two private long-term care homes
Dec 6, 2024
Health PEI and local Ophthalmologists partner to address Cataract Surgery wait times
Dec 13, 2024
Health PEI announces Phase 2 of System Transformation, focused on improved access to care
Dec 16, 2024
Free program to help Islanders quit smoking expands to pharmacies
Dec 17, 2024
Recruiting more nurses to support PEI healthcare system
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/recruiting-more-nurses-to-support-pei-healthcare-system
Dec 18, 2025
PEI sees strong growth in healthcare workforce, boosting access to primary care for Islanders
Feb 20, 2025
Islanders can access free pelvic floor physiotherapy
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/islanders-can-access-free-pelvic-floor-physiotherapy
Feb 25, 2025
Eye exams for long-term and community care residents in Prince County
Feb 28, 2025
Government releases What We Heard report on PEI wellness and next steps
March 11, 2025
Expanded sleep apnea program to benefit low-income Islanders
March 12, 2025
Tobacco Litigation- Statement from Minister of Health and Wellness Mark McLane
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/statement-from-minister-of-health-and-wellness-mark-mclane
March 24, 2025
Cataract Outpatient Clinic in Charlottetown nearly doubles PEI’s daily cataract procedures, frees up valuable operating room time
March 28, 2025
Health PEI Launches Program to Enhance Vision Care for Elementary Students
March 31, 2025
Statement from the Minister of Health and Wellness on medical learners in PEI
April 2, 2025
Pilot program to help patients recover after knee and hip surgery
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/transition-to-practice-program
April 16, 2023
Program brings rehabilitation support to residents at Garden Home
April 23, 2025
New mobile X-ray service for long-term care residents
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/new-mobile-x-ray-service-for-long-term-care-residents
April 30, 2025
Government supports allied health services in private long-term care homes
May 1, 2025
National Pharmacare Program begins May 1 in PEI
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/national-pharmacare-program-begins-may-1-in-pei
May 2, 2025
Mobile X-Ray brings comfort and convenience to long-term care residents.
May 23, 2025
Community Paramedic Response Units result in fewer ED visits for PEI residents.
May 28, 2025
Young people in PEI can express their wishes for organ and tissue donation.
June 3, 2025
‘First-of-its-kind collaboration’: McMaster fellowship fast-tracks international doctors’ careers in PEI
June 11, 2025
New guide highlights health careers for Island students
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/new-guide-highlights-health-careers-for-island-students
June 11, 2025
New Health PEI Mobile Dental Clinic to expand access to dental care across PEI
June 11, 2025
Mental Health Intensive Day Program Provides Support to Islanders
June 18, 2025
CUPE and Health PEI Reach New Tentative Collective Agreement
June 26, 2025
Health PEI and PEI Nurses’ Union Announce Completion of Province-Wide RN Reclassification
June 30, 2025
Bringing vision care closer to home
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/bringing-vision-care-closer-to-home
July 4, 2025
Over 200,000 Pharmacy Plus PEI Assessments this year
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/over-200000-pharmacy-plus-pei-assessments-this-year
July 14, 2025
Province approves 12 new long-term care beds at Tignish Seniors Home
July 22, 2025
Helping Islanders breathe easier one donation at a time
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/helping-islanders-breathe-easier-one-donation-at-a-time
July 24, 2025
First-Ever Smilezone unveiled in Prince Edward Island at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
July 24, 2025
Supports increase for Island students and more healthcare programs become eligible
July 30, 2025
25 new physicians hired in 2025: Mid-year update on physician recruitment
July 31, 2025
Land acquired for future Kings County Memorial Hospital and Community Health Centre in Three Rivers
August 7, 2025
Chiropractors in PEI can now order X-rays
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/chiropractors-in-pei-can-now-order-x-rays
August 18, 2025
Prince County Hospital ICU reinstated, creating an integrated provincial critical care program
August 19, 2025
Province expands RSV protection for infants and seniors
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/province-expands-rsv-protection-for-infants-and-seniors
August 21, 2025
18 new drugs added to the Provincial and Cancer Treatment Centre Formularies
August 22, 2025
Islanders get faster access to surgery
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/islanders-get-faster-access-to-surgery
August 25, 2025
20 Island students begin medical training in PEI.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/20-island-students-begin-medical-training-in-pei
August 27, 2025
PEI welcomes 20 new health care professionals from United States.
September 10, 2025
Government and Island EMS sign new agreement.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/government-and-island-ems-sign-new-agreement
September 4, 2025
PEI welcomes second neonatologist, keeping more premature babies and their families closer to home.
September 22, 2025
Allied health services improve care for residents in private long-term care homes.
October 1, 2025
On-site dental services for seniors in long-term and community care homes.
October 8, 2025
Early Detection, Big Results: Tyne Valley Surpasses Screening Target.
October 8, 2025
PEI Insulin Pump Program sees huge uptake since expanding.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pei-insulin-pump-program-sees-huge-uptake-since-expanding
October 10, 2025
Care from the comfort of your couch: PEI launches new home hemodialysis program.
October 15, 2025
A year of better access to insulin pumps in PEI.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/a-year-of-better-access-to-insulin-pumps-in-pei
October 30, 2025
Pharmacy Plus PEI program marks three-year anniversary
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/pharmacy-plus-pei-program-marks-three-year-anniversary
October 31, 2025
How tuition support is boosting PEI’s health workforce.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/how-tuition-support-is-boosting-peis-health-workforce
October 31, 2025
Health PEI Provincial Home Care launches French Adult Day Program in Abram Village.
November 3, 2025
Health PEI launches new Patient Medical Home at UPEI.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/health-pei-launches-new-patient-medical-home-at-upei
November 12, 2025
Strengthening health workforce with Marion L. Reid Grant.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/strengthening-health-workforce-with-marion-l-reid-grant
November 19, 2025
Government supports PEI firefighters serving as medical first responders.
November 21, 2025
Province expands seats at Dalhousie University.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/province-expands-seats-at-dalhousie-university
November 27, 2025
PEI French Health Network helping people find health services in French.