Prince County Hospital's Emergency Department in Summerside serves as the primary trauma and acute care hub for western Prince Edward Island, handling approximately 24,000 visits per year. The ED features two trauma bays, a four-bed critical care unit, a seven-bed holding unit, and five treatment and procedure rooms, staffed around the clock by dedicated emergency physicians. It leads management of trauma, STEMI, stroke, and code blue cases, and is supported by 24/7 lab services, a 160-slice CT scanner, and a helipad integrated with LifeFlight air ambulance for critical patient transport.
Services & Specialties
Emergency medicine (24/7), Trauma care (STEMI, stroke, code blue, major trauma), Internal medicine, General surgery, Obstetrics and gynecology, Pediatrics, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), Psychiatry and urgent mental health care, Anesthesia, Diagnostic imaging (plain film, ultrasound, echosonography, 160-slice CT), Hemodialysis, Oncology, Endoscopy, Rehabilitation services, Palliative care, Women's Wellness Centre (province's only), Maternal and child care, LifeFlight air ambulance integration (helipad on site).
Amenities
Wheelchair accessible throughout
Elevator access
Automatic doors and wheelchair ramps
Helipad for medevac/LifeFlight operations
Security staffed entrance (after 8 p.m., all non-emergency doors are locked)
Contact 902-438-4200 for cafeteria, ATM, pharmacy, chapel, and Wi-Fi details
After 8 p.m., all hospital entrances except the Emergency entrance are locked. Visitors and patients must enter through the ER entrance and check in with security.
If you are experiencing a psychiatric crisis, you can go directly to the Prince County Hospital Emergency Department — mental health staff are available to assess you after triage.
The ED is supported 24/7 by a full lab and a 160-slice CT scanner, so imaging and bloodwork can be completed quickly regardless of the time you arrive.
If you are arriving by private vehicle, designated accessible parking is available near the main entrance. Confirm current parking fees by calling 902-438-4200 before your visit.
Prince County Hospital has a dedicated helipad and LifeFlight integration — in a major emergency involving western PEI residents, air transport to higher-level care is available when needed.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport)
Provincial health card (PEI Health Card)
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Health insurance information (for out-of-province visitors)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for a potentially long wait
Comfortable clothing and a light blanket or sweater
Snacks and water for accompanying family members during extended waits
Parking
Prince County Hospital has multiple on-site parking areas for visitors, patients, and staff, including designated accessible spots near the main entrance. Wheelchair ramps and automatic doors support easy access. Parking fees were not confirmed in available sources — contact the hospital at 902-438-4200 for current rates.
Getting There
T3 Transit operates local bus routes in Summerside with stops serving Prince County Hospital, as well as intercity connections to Charlottetown. The hospital is approximately 61 kilometres west of Charlottetown via Route 1 (Trans-Canada Highway).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prince County Hospital's Emergency Department open 24/7?
Yes, the Prince County Hospital Emergency Department in Summerside is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including all statutory holidays.
Can I get psychiatric or mental health care at the Prince County Hospital ER?
Yes. Individuals in need of urgent psychiatric care can go directly to the Emergency Department at Prince County Hospital. You will be triaged and then assessed by trained mental health staff. PCH has a dedicated inpatient psychiatry unit as well.
Does Prince County Hospital have trauma and critical care capabilities?
Yes. The ED includes two trauma bays and a four-bed critical care unit. The department leads management of trauma, STEMI, stroke, and code blue patients, supported by 24/7 lab services and a 160-slice CT scanner. A helipad on site enables rapid LifeFlight air ambulance transport when higher-level care is required.
How do I enter the hospital after hours?
After 8 p.m., all doors at Prince County Hospital are locked for security and patient privacy. Visitors and patients must enter through the Emergency entrance and check in with the security desk.
What specialties are available at Prince County Hospital beyond the ER?
PCH offers a broad range of specialties including internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, psychiatry, anesthesia, oncology, hemodialysis, and rehabilitation services. It also houses the province's only Women's Wellness Centre.
Is Prince County Hospital a teaching hospital?
PCH has an academic affiliation with Dalhousie Medical School and participates in the Family Medicine Residency Training Program. Physicians at PCH may hold faculty appointments, meaning residents or medical students may be involved in your care.
Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on Prince Edward Island health data. Actual wait times may vary.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 42 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Something wrong on this page?
Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.