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P.E.I. Doctors Flee Toxic Health System
3 Mar
Summary
- Three doctors leaving Prince Edward Island will affect 4,500 patients.
- Physicians cite disrespect and toxic atmosphere at Health P.E.I.
- Disputes over workload metrics in physician contracts fuel discontent.
Three family doctors have informed Health P.E.I. of their departures, impacting approximately 4,500 patients. This situation has prompted calls from the leaders of the Liberal and Green parties for significant changes in how the provincial government manages physician retention.
Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell stated that doctors feel disrespected by Health P.E.I. and the Progressive Conservative government, describing the healthcare atmosphere as toxic. He pointed to increased workloads and unresolved tensions stemming from the Physician Services Agreement signed in 2024, and a subsequent memorandum of agreement in December 2025 that aimed to settle disputes over patient roster models.
Green Party Leader Matt MacFarlane echoed these concerns, suggesting that current government policies are not incentivizing doctors to stay or move to P.E.I. He noted that physicians have been hesitant to speak out publicly due to the prevailing culture within Health P.E.I. and the Department of Health and Wellness, highlighting the gravity of the situation as doctors increasingly share their challenges.
Both opposition leaders emphasized the need for provincial officials to actively listen to the reasons behind these departures and implement meaningful changes across all frontline health professions to address the growing healthcare crisis.
