Frequent Health Contacts

Listed alphabetically.

2-1-1: connecting you to non-urgent health services

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service. It can quickly connect you to non-urgent health services. These include human, social, community and government services. Call 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text 211 (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.), email help@pe.211.ca (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) or search the 211 website. The service is available in more than 150 languages.

8-1-1: speak to a registered nurse

If you are unsure what to do about a health issue or if you need health information, call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dial 7-1-1 (TTY), if you are hearing impaired. Learn more.

9-1-1: when you need emergency medical care or emergency services

Call 9-1-1 when:   

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

A stroke is a medical emergency. Do not drive to the hospital. Call 9-1-1. Learn the signs of stroke. Think FAST: 

• Face: is it drooping? 
• Arms: can you raise both? 
• Speech: is it slurred or jumbled? 
• Time: to call 9-1-1 right away. 

Addictions and Mental health support

Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line: 1-833-553-6983 (toll-free). Calls are answered by trained mental health professionals (a registered nurse or social worker) 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Open Access Counselling offers immediate support for substance use, gambling addiction, anxiety, depression and other complex and high-risk issues. Simply walk-in, no appointment or referral is needed.

The Mobile Mental Health Response Service: 1-833-553-6983 (toll-free). Available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily to provide timely access to assessment, treatment and connection to ongoing mental health care during a time of crisis.

Learn more about getting Help for Addiction and Substance Use and Mental Health Support and Services.

Financial Assistance for Out-of-Province Medical Travel

If you are a PEI resident with a valid PEI Health Card and have received prior approval from Health PEI for out-of-province medical services, you may be eligible for travel assistance through the Maritime Bus Program or the Hope Air Program. The Hope Air Program is a national charity that provides travel assistance for patients in need. They offer free flights, bridge/ferry passes, gas cards, accommodations and meals. 

For more information on these programs and how to apply, visit Financial Assistance for Out-of-Province Medical Travel.

Find a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner

In PEI, there is a waiting list to find a new family doctor or nurse practitioner. This waiting list is called the Patient Registry. 

The Patient Registry Program will connect you to a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients, whether you have just moved to PEI or if you have relocated within the province. 

To register, visit Find a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. 

Within a few weeks of registering, you may be able to see a doctor online through Maple (a secure health care platform) using your computer, smartphone or tablet. For more information, visit Virtual Health Care for Islanders without a Primary Care Provider.

To find out the status of your placement on the Patient Registry, call 1-855-563-2101.

Health Storm Centre

Visit Health PEI’s Storm Centre (www.healthpei.ca/storm-centre) for information about delays and closures when medical appointments and other health care services are impacted by severe weather and road conditions. 

Islanders are reminded to call 8-1-1 for non-urgent health care advice, or 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. 

Immunization Records

Immunization records can be obtained by contacting your local Public Health Nursing office.

Jobs

For health care job opportunities in Prince Edward Island, visit Jobs in Health Care.

If you have a question, or would like information about applying for a position through the Atlantic Immigration Program, email healthrecruiter@gov.pe.ca or call 902-620-3872.

Patient Navigators

Health PEI Patient Navigators can help you and your family access health care services, community support organizations and other resources regardless of where you live in PEI or where you are in your health care journey. Learn more.

PEI Health Card

You need a PEI Health Card to receive services at hospitals and other public health care facilities in PEI without being charged. Pharmacists also use your health card to record your medications in the PEI Drug Information System.

Apply for a PEI Health Card.

To find out the status of your application or ask a question, call 1-800-321-5492.

PEI Pharmacare

PEI Pharmacare helps Islanders with the cost of eligible prescription medications, certain medical supplies and pharmacy services. You may be eligible to receive either partial or full coverage through one of the drug cost assistance programs. 

For more information and how to apply, visit Drug Programs or call 1-877-577-3737.