Health PEI is pleased to announce the launch of the new Patient Medical Home (PMH) at the University of PEI (UPEI). The PMH model of care is a cornerstone of Health PEI's transformation strategy to connect every Islander to primary care.
"This model is the future of health care. PMHs are a collaborative approach to primary care, with numerous team members on staff to meet the needs of the patient. This facility is a major milestone in the partnership between Health PEI, UPEI, and Memorial University."
Dr. Johan Viljoen, Chief Medical Officer of Health PEI
The PMH at UPEI will employ a dynamic team composed of many professionals -- family physicians, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, clerical support, and allied health professionals, such as social workers, physiotherapists, and more. The team will operate as a unit to ensure we optimize access to care at the right time.
The PMH also offers an opportunity for nursing students, allied health learners, and medical residents to train and learn as a team supporting interdisciplinary education and workforce development.
"The PMH at UPEI will engage communities and patients in the design of their care, seeking regular feedback. It's about challenging ourselves to deliver care that is timely and coordinated, while also supporting innovation and continuous learning."
Melanie Fraser, CEO of Health PEI
The new facility strengthens and standardizes care by integrating community services, enhancing digital operations, and unifying the system to be centered around patients. The initial focus is on setting up the space, training the care team, and establishing clinical practices using the province's electronic medical record system.
While the PMH at UPEI is designed to eventually serve up to 10,000 Islanders, patient affiliation will begin gradually.
"Our team began to take on the first patients at the end of October, allowing us the time to thoughtfully train, test, and refine our approach. We thought we would open with 100 patients on our first day, but we have already been in touch with 208, which is significantly above our norm. This success represents the innovative changes you will see at this PMH. We are focused on team-based decision making, patient-centred care, and embracing technology to improve care experiences, create efficiencies and connect people to care more quickly."
Kim Lawn, Interim Executive Director of Access & Affiliation at Health PEI
"Health PEI will continue to focus on becoming a leading rural health care system in the country, founded on robust primary care that is available to everyone," added Fraser.
As a PMH, patients must be affiliated with the centre to receive care. We encourage Islanders who don't currently have a primary care provider to sign up to the Provincial Patient Registry. Staff will contact you when a family doctor or nurse practitioner is accepting new patients.
