Health PEI and Maple extend access to virtual care platform

Health PEI’s Virtual Care Clinic, an online platform offered through Maple, has been extended for another twelve months to support Islanders without a primary care provider to access a doctor virtually. 

The service was launched in July 2020 to enhance access to care, particularly for people who did not have a family doctor and who could no longer access walk-in clinics due to COVID-19 pandemic requirements. 

P.J. Hueser and her husband moved to PEI two years ago and do not have a primary care provider. Due to recent health issues, the Huesers turned to the Health PEI Virtual Care Clinic and were quickly connected with a PEI licensed physician who helped them with their concerns. 

“Access to the Virtual Care Clinic really gave us comfort. While we may not yet have a physical medical clinic that we’re attached to, it’s reassuring that we can reach out any day and receive care online,” P.J. said. “It is convenient, the virtual platform was easy to use, and the care provided by the physician’s was excellent.” 

Through the Maple app, patients can obtain assessment, diagnosis, e-prescriptions, lab requisitions and more.  

“We’re always looking for ways to provide enhanced access to care for the people we service across the province,” said Andrew MacDougall, Executive Director, Community Health & Seniors Care. “Over the past year, Islanders have told us that they value the care they have been able to receive online. We continue to modernize and enhance the way we provide primary care on PEI, including continuing to hire more doctors.” 

“We’re proud to build on the success from this past year and continue the excellent work with Health PEI,” said Dr. Brett Belchetz, CEO and Co-founder at Maple. “We know there are many PEI residents who need access to physicians and this program bridges the gap for those who require timely primary care.”

More than 4,000 people have signed up for the service, with more than 3,000 consultations to-date. Clients have left positive feedback about the program, with an average rating of 4.8/5. 

Anyone in PEI who is waiting to be assigned to a primary care provider has been offered access to the program through virtual care platform, Maple. Obtaining care through the program does not change your position on the waitlist for a primary care provider.

To access the program, patients must be on the waitlist for a primary care provider. Patients may register online to be on the waitlist or call 1-855-563-2101. 

Media Contact:
Jessica Bruce
Senior Communications Officer, Health PEI
jessicabruce@gov.pe.ca    
902-388-1292