Prince County Hospital dialysis unit to close for two weeks this winter for essential renovations fixing humidity issues and damaged cupboards.
Facility Upgrade Scheduled
The haemodialysis unit at Prince County Hospital (PCH) in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, is scheduled to close temporarily for renovations during a two-week period in either December or January. Officials from Health P.E.I. say the work is required in part because of earlier moisture and humidity issues in the unit.
Why the Closure Is Needed
Health P.E.I. explains that while the high-humidity problem has been mitigated, significant moisture damage to cupboards in the dialysis space—attributable to both the humidity and initial manufacturing issues—now requires replacement of the millwork. The renovation is part of a two-stage process: first addressing ventilation and humidity, now restructuring the cabinetry for safe patient and staff use.
Patient Impact and Alternate Arrangements
During the closure, some patients who regularly receive dialysis at PCH will need to travel farther for treatment. One affected individual, resident of Tignish, Mr Greg Gavin, was informed that he cannot be accommodated at the nearby Western Hospital during the renovation and must instead attend the dialysis unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Charlottetown. He described the additional travel time—about two and a half hours home after treatment—as a significant burden.
Program Management Response
Spencer MacDonald, manager of Health P.E.I.’s provincial renal program, acknowledged the logistical challenge of redistributing both patients and staff between the QEH and Western Hospital during the closure. “It’s not ideal,” he said, “but because of the nature of dialysis, this is how we have to do it, and we have to ensure that it’s safe for all the patients to get their treatments.” He emphasised that patient safety and continuity of care are guiding the planning.
Background on Conditions at the Unit
The closure decision follows concerns raised by Liberal MLA Hal Perry, who highlighted complaints from families and staff about issues such as mould, high humidity, slippery floors and leaking moisture in the unit. He stated that “the humidity is so high that the floors are slippery, there’s moisture coming off the windows and doors where they have to put towels just to catch it.” Health P.E.I. clarified that no leaks have been detected, the humidity issue has been addressed through ventilation upgrades and de humidifiers, and only a small area of mould was found and remediated promptly.
Expected Outcome After Renovation
MacDonald noted that the renovation phase will concentrate solely on replacing the millwork and finalising the space to be both safe for staff and comfortable for patients. He described the vision as delivering “a beautiful unit for patients to come to for their treatments, and a safe space for staff to work in.” Once completed, the unit is expected to resume full service to the local dialysis patient population at PCH.
