The government of Prince Edward Island revealed its plan on Friday to seek a private operator for the construction and management of up to 48 long-term care beds in Kings County. Health and Wellness Minister Cory Deagle emphasized the significance of this announcement for the local community, noting that numerous Islanders are currently in hospitals awaiting long-term care services.
Deagle expressed optimism about the project’s success, anticipating a competitive bidding process for the opportunity. Although the exact location is yet to be confirmed, it will be situated in Kings County and is expected to attract multiple proposals. The facility could either be a new establishment or an expansion of an existing one, with an estimated timeline for completion in approximately two years.
This initiative follows recent allocations of 140 private beds in Cornwall and Summerside, with 80 beds designated for Cornwall announced in June and 60 beds for Summerside announced the previous month. While the government will provide funding for the Kings County facility, the specific amount has not been determined yet.
Darlene Oakes, the executive director of the Nursing Home Association of P.E.I., welcomed the news, highlighting the growing demand for long-term care services due to the aging population. She emphasized the importance of enabling individuals to remain in their local communities near their families.
Tara Roche, administrator of Community Hospitals East, also commended the decision, emphasizing the need for more long-term care options in the community to enhance acute care services. Roche underscored the aging demographic, indicating a rising necessity for additional beds as the population continues to grow older.
In response to concerns raised by opposition critics, including P.E.I. Liberal Party health critic Gord McNeilly, Minister Deagle defended the collaboration with private operators, asserting that it is a beneficial partnership with the government. He reassured the public that high-quality care will be provided at the upcoming Kings County facility.
Overall, the introduction of private operators for long-term care facilities in Kings County aims to address the increasing demand for these services and enhance the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region.