No wait list for government methadone clinics: Health P.E.I.

Government-run methadone clinics in Summerside, Mount Herbert and a recently opened clinic in Montague have space for new patients, says Health PEI.

The provincial health agency issued a written statement Thursday in response to a plea for help from a private clinic in Charlottetown that may have to turnaway newpatients because of a staff shortage.

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"There is capacity within the provincially-run methadonetreatment program to accept more patients," reads the document.

A spokesperson for Health P.E.I.said the three public clinicscurrently treat about 400 people.

The new clinic in Montague operates on a part-time basis in the Community Addiction Services office in Montague.

The doctor who runs the Montague clinic also works at the provincial addiction treatment facility in Mount Herbert, in addition to conducting a private family practice.

Health PEI confirmed that one of the doctors involved in the public clinics will retire this month, but the agency is talking to other physicians on the team about stepping up their roles.

Health PEI also says it has secured a family physicianwith addictions training to support the clinic in Summerside.

About 150 to 175 people received methadone treatment in Summerside while another225receive treatment at Mount Herbert and Montague.

Charlottetown clinic has had 'tremendous impact'

Health PEI says it continues to encourage physicians to participate in methadone treatment programs, including at theprivateclinicin Charlottetown.

"The Queen Street clinic and its team of physicians have had a tremendous impact on improving access to methadone treatment for Islanders in recent years," said the agency in Thursday's statement. "We will work with the physiciansto ensure Islanders continue to have access."

Methadone is used to treataddiction to heroin, oxycontin and other opiates.