Wait times are long and the care is exceptional

August 5, 2022

Wait times are long and the care is exceptional

By Shannon Coull, CFRE

For the first time in my adult life, I had to access our hospital for care. I was nervous and anxious prior to going in but once I was admitted and surrounded by the staff and my care team, I began to realize what a privilege it was for me to have access to OUR hospital. I thought to myself, if I have to wait to be treated by a care team, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is the best place to have to do that. As a professional fundraiser, I advocate for our care teams and staff at our hospital and the great care they provide, but now I can do it from a different perspective. I have joined the hundreds of people who form a community of “grateful patients”; what an honour!

The rumours are true, the wait times are long and the care is exceptional.

I asked a senior colleague of mine from Quinte Healthcare Corporation (QHC) to help me understand the reason for the long wait times and staffing shortages and this is what she said…

“The support our teams receive from the community is a source of great pride and inspiration, including those that continue to support Back the Build, the campaign to build a new hospital in PEC! We are immensely grateful. A new PECMH is needed now more than ever as the unparalleled strain on Ontario’s health care continues. The volumes of patients to QHC are higher than pre-COVID and expected to continue. The average number of inpatients on medicine units receiving care at QHC hospitals has increased from 114 to 208 at a time in the past four years. These volumes can no longer be considered temporary surges, but the new normal for all four QHC hospitals. That means PECMH is caring for significantly more patients – most days well over 100% capacity. We need more space to meet the escalating need, which includes servicing the increased seasonal population.

The reasons are many - more elderly patients with age-related complex health issues, an increased number of patients without a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) and delayed care due to the pandemic, resulting in more advanced medical issues. Discharging patients from hospital is also a challenge given the strain on our home care and long term care partners. We continue to look at ways to address the formidable staffing challenges including adding personal support workers, physiotherapy assistants and medical laboratory assistants to help our dedicated team of nurses, physicians and other registered clinical staff members. Despite the challenges ahead, there is also significant opportunity for innovation. We have a significant focus on recruitment, and seeking local solutions collaboratively with our community partners.”

On July 12, 2022, QHC put out a statement asking communities across the region to assess their personal situation before heading to the ER stating “The emergency departments at QHC hospitals are experiencing considerable staffing shortages. This will significantly impact our emergency department wait times, particularly for those experiencing non-emergency health issues.

Patients are cared for in the Emergency Department based on how sick or injured they are, not when they arrived. The wait time varies depending on how serious the conditions are of other patients coming into the emergency room.”

Follow this link to read the full article. https://www.qhc.on.ca/quinte-health-care-news-47.php?ID=589&command=viewArticle&currentFeed=1

The reality is our hospitals are busier than ever before and there is increased pressure on our staff. There are recruitment efforts underway and this will take some time for our system to adjust to this demand. What hasn’t changed is the compassion, commitment and empathy our healthcare professionals have for each one of us. I am truly grateful that they continue to show up every day to care for the members of our community and I am inspired more than ever to continue to ensure they are provided with the best environment in which to work. They deserve it! I LOVE THE COUNTY and I BACK THE BUILD!

For information about our hospital, or to make a donation call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502, or visit the Foundation’s newly redesigned website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1. Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.