The new 811 telephone service gives Islanders easy access to non-emergency health advice and information, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“By dialling 8-1-1 Islanders can talk to a registered nurse for health advice, when and where they need it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Minister Currie. “The 811 service offers callers professional health care support in the comfort of their homes. I’m extremely pleased to have this service available to all Islanders, which is part of our government’s commitment to providing better access and better care to Islanders across the province.”
Through 811, an experienced registered nurse will provide advice and information, help callers navigate the health care system and direct them to the appropriate type of care. The advice could include a recommendation to see a health care provider, to go to an emergency department, or other self care options.
“The 811 service ensures callers get the appropriate type of care or information they need,” said Marilyn Barrett, director of primary care networks, Health PEI. “Islanders can feel confident that the information and advice provided by the 811 registered nurse is evidence based and reliable.”
Services will also be provided in French and more than 120 other languages including Arabic, Farsi and Cantonese. Those with hearing impairments can access the service by calling 7-1-1 (TTY.)
Prince Edward Island is partnering with Nova Scotia to offer the 811 service. It uses state-of-the-art information and communication technologies to make health care services more accessible. Telehealth does not replace 911, which is always the first number that should be called in emergency situations.
“Telehealth is just one component of our province’s commitment to better access and better care for all Islanders,” said Minister Currie. “Better access, better care is about increasing access to primary care, elective surgeries, emergency services, and long-term care and improving the quality of care of Islanders. The introduction of 811 Telehealth should help our emergency room utilization and alleviate pressures on our physicians.”
To learn more about 811 and for general health information, visit healthpei.ca/811 .
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – 811
Q. What is 811?
811 is a free telephone service that provides callers with health information and advice from a registered nurse (RN). It is available to all Islanders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q. When should I call 811?
If you have health concerns, you’re not sure what to do, or need health information, call 811 and talk to an experienced registered nurse for advice on the best course of action.
Q. What happens when I call 811?
A registered nurse will provide advice and information, help callers navigate the health care system and direct you to the appropriate type of care. The advice could include a recommendation to see your health care provider, to go to an emergency department, or other self care options.
Q. What if I’m not sick but I have a health-related question?
Call 811. The registered nurse can answer your questions and send you written information by email, fax or mail. You can also find general health information online at www.healthpei.ca/811
Q. How do I know when to call 911 versus 811?
Call 811 in non-emergency situations, when you have health concerns or need health information.
Call 911 or go the emergency department when:
• experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest
• experiencing unusual shortness of breath
• experiencing severe 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.
Q. What if someone calls 811 but they are in an emergency situation?
The nurse will transfer the caller to 911.
Q. Is 811 available in other languages?
Through Interpretation Services, 811 can provide services in more than 100 languages, including Arabic, Farsi, and Cantonese. A bilingual nurse is also available to provide services in French.
Q. Will my questions be kept confidential?
Yes, 811 is a confidential service. The registered nurse will ask for your name and other information to help care for you better. But if you are not comfortable giving this information, the nurse will still help you with your questions and concerns.
Q. Who operates the 811 service?
McKesson Canada Inc. operates the telephone service, and Prince Edward Island is partnering with Nova Scotia to offer 811. PEI has an arrangement with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, which has a contract with McKesson Canada Inc.
Q. Is the personal information I provide kept private?
Yes, personal information will be protected under PEI laws, and McKesson Canada secures information in its data centre in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Q. Can I trust the information I receive through 811?
Registered nurses providing advice through 811 are experienced and will provide Islanders with access to reliable, evidence based health care information.
Q. Where are the nurses located?
Most nurses are located in Nova Scotia as the service was established there four years ago. Registered nurses on the Island are eligible to apply for positions as they become available. One Island nurse has already been hired.
Q. How much does this service cost government?
Government invested $200,000 to bring 811 to the province. The expected cost going forward is approximately $400,000 – $500,000 per year based on usage.
Q. Why do we need 811?
811 is part of Prince Edward Island’s plan to deliver Better Access, Better Care. This service offers Islanders professional health care advice in the comfort of their homes. 811 uses state-of-the-art information and communication technologies to make health care services more accessible.
Q. How has 811 impacted health services in other Maritime provinces?
Nova Scotia’s and New Brunswick’s experiences show that, since the implementation of 811, there have been more appropriate visits to the emergency department and less non-urgent cases. Patients who don’t need emergency services are provided with advice and information more suitable to their situation through 811.