PEI

New psychiatrist brings P.E.I. closer to full staff

The government of P.E.I. has added another psychiatrist to the provincial complement — making her the fourth psychiatrist added since the beginning of 2018.

Latest addition puts province at 13 full-time equivalents, 2 short of full complement

Dr. Heather Keizer, P.E.I.'s chief of mental health and addictions, says she is 'so pleased' with quality of psychiatrists hired by the province. (Randy McAndrew/CBC)

P.E.I. has added its fourth psychiatrist since the beginning of 2018.

Dr. Anita Taj, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, began practising last week in a one-year full-time locum position supporting community mental health in Charlottetown. 

​The addition of Taj, and the three others announced in January, brings the current number of filled positions to 13 full-time equivalents.

Health PEI's psychiatry complement is 15 full-time equivalent positions.

"I am so pleased with quality of psychiatrists that we are recruiting into our complement," said Dr. Heather Keizer, P.E.I.'s chief of mental health and addictions. 

"It reinforces that we are making progress and moving in the right direction."