Summerside Doctor Resigns, Citing Frustrations with Health P.E.I.

A family doctor in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, has resigned from her position after expressing deep frustrations with the province’s healthcare system. Dr. Heather Austin, who has served the community since 2011, announced her decision to relocate to Nova Scotia following several months of unaddressed concerns regarding Health P.E.I..

In a public letter to her patients posted on Facebook on February 26, 2025, Dr. Austin conveyed her discontent with the system, stating, “Over the past few years, and especially the last eighteen months, it has become increasingly difficult to work within this health system.” She described her experience as one where family physicians have been treated with “ignorant disrespect” by the health authority.

Dr. Austin’s resignation will lead to the closure of her practice by summer 2028, as confirmed by Health P.E.I. on February 27, 2025. At the time of her resignation, she was responsible for approximately 1,400 patients.

Frustrations Mount

Alongside her open letter, Dr. Austin shared three previous letters addressed to high-ranking officials, including Health P.E.I. CEO Melanie Fraser, Premier Rob Lantz, and interim chief medical officer Johan Viljoen. These communications highlighted significant issues such as the burden placed on family doctors to cover duties at the Prince County Hospital, inequities between physicians in different regions, and the lack of appropriate compensation for mental health unit coverage in Summerside.

In one letter dated April 4, 2025, Dr. Austin asserted, “The situation in Summerside is not OK.” She elaborated on the struggles faced by her colleagues, emphasizing that they have been sacrificing their well-being to maintain essential services amidst growing shortages and inequalities. Notably, she recounted her own experiences covering for hospital staff, which often required her to work up to 12 days consecutively.

Inadequate Support for Physicians

The Medical Society of P.E.I. has refrained from commenting directly on Dr. Austin’s resignation. However, president Dr. Krista Cassell highlighted concerning statistics regarding physician morale in the province. According to a study from the National Physical Health Survey, 40 percent of P.E.I. doctors report moral distress due to systemic barriers preventing adequate patient care, a figure double the national average. Furthermore, a survey indicated that Islanders experience the lowest access to primary care in Canada, with only 62 percent having access compared to the national average of 82 percent.

Dr. Cassell emphasized the need for a respectful and productive working relationship between physicians and health authorities. She stated, “This is not about negotiations, legal agreements, or accountability mechanisms; it’s about building a respectful, productive working relationship.”

Community Impact

The day following Dr. Austin’s announcement, local MLA Tyler DesRoches expressed concern over the impact of her departure on the Summerside community. He noted that the city has struggled to attract new family doctors and that many residents continue to register for care without sufficient access. “It is imperative that we find some common ground between all of these doctors and Health P.E.I.,” he stated, calling for efforts to rebuild trust and address the issues raised by Dr. Austin.

Dr. Austin officially notified Health P.E.I. of her resignation on January 30, 2025. In her resignation notice, she criticized the health system’s failure to retain physicians, suggesting that without changes, more doctors are likely to leave. “Family physicians are the specialists of primary care,” she noted, emphasizing that the current environment has made them feel like “parasites” draining resources instead of valued contributors to healthcare.

As Dr. Austin prepares for her transition, she is reducing her patient load but plans to continue caring for those with complex needs for as long as possible. Health P.E.I. has indicated that it will assist in transitioning her patients to other healthcare providers where feasible.

Despite the challenges faced, Dr. Austin expressed pride in her work and gratitude for the opportunity to serve her patients. She concluded her open letter with a heartfelt message, stating, “It has been my privilege to care for you, to walk beside you through the ups and downs of life and share in your journey.” As she departs, her contributions to the Summerside community will be remembered by both patients and colleagues alike.