Like all other provinces, we like to believe we have a good health care system in PEI. I have found a few minor differences.  For example, yearly eye exams are not covered, but children get free dental services.

Prince Edward Island has two major hospitals located in Charlottetown and Summerside.  There are also several other smaller hospitals and clinics throughout the island. With the current budget cuts also affecting health care, the scope and structure of regional health care facilities seems to change weekly. You are better off to check the government website for current configuration. Follow this link for hospitals, clinics, dental and other services on PEI.

As PEI has a population under 150,000, you can imagine that not all medical services are provided on the Island.  Some types of surgery and treatments are done off island, usually in Halifax.  The IWK or children’s hospital is also located in Halifax.  In typical Island fashion, I have yet to find someone who knows what IWK stands for.

So this brings me to the subject of this post. It is possible that you will need services off-Island.  That will likely be at the Victoria General or the IWK. You may also be looking for reasonably priced accommodations in the area. I had an experience like that recently.  After asking 2-3 times, I eventually found out about Point Pleasant Lodge.

This is a specialty hotel designed to provide affordable accommodations for both out patients and those caring for loved ones in the hospital. The rates are half what you would pay 10 blocks away in a downtown hotel. I stayed in a room with a double bed so I cannot say what the single or twin rooms look like. However, I can say that the two rooms in which I stayed had a very comfortable bed – that is the main thing. The rooms are small but well furnished. When you spend most of the day at the hospital, all you really need is a comfortable place to crash and wash up for the next day – Point Pleasant Lodge fits the bill.

It is a 5 minute walk to the Victoria General Hospital and a bit farther to the IWK. The lodge also offers a free shuttle. They will give you a direct number to the driver for pick up and drop off.  Please allow suitable lead time for pick up if you have a scheduled appointment. 

There is a dining room on site offering good food at reasonable prices.  I also found I could get something to eat there between meal hours. Again this is a great service when you keep irregular hours back and forth from the hospital.

As I said before, Point Pleasant Lodge is not for profit. Their prices are structured to help people who need to be at the hospital.  Therefore, they will either get a referral from the hospital or ask you for confirmation of the patient you are attending to.

I saved the best for last. The front desk staff are excellent.  They understand that being in hospital is challenging and stressful. They also understand that your schedule can change unexpectedly.  They take the time required to explain their services.  There is some parking available onsite for $10 a day. When the lot is full, they explain which side of the street you can use for overnight parking. They even explain that cancelling a credit card reservation(hold) may take a few days even though they do it right away.  And finally, the warm smiles and friendly attitude help make a difficult situation (illness) easier to bear.

The staff of Point Pleasant Lodge all deserve the “employee of the year” award for outstanding dedication to customer service.  

So if you ever need to be in Halifax for medical reasons, contact Point Pleasant Lodge for your accommodations.