View From the Legislature

Surgical Wait Times

  • Kelvin Goertzen, Author
  • Member of the Legislative Assembly, Steinbach

A recent report was released indicating Manitoba’s improvement in many key areas of surgical wait times in the healthcare system. The report, released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, contained many insights into the status of Manitoba’s healthcare system and areas which our government remains committed to improving upon to deliver better patient care.

Manitoba has maintained consistent wait times for radiation therapy, significantly increased the number of CT scans performed in the province, reduced wait times for coronary artery bypass grafts and achieved the best results in the country for hip fracture repair, with patients being treated within 48 hours. Regarding hip and knee replacements, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) report validates the work we have already done with the Wait Times Reduction Task Force report, which recommended a number of changes necessary to improve access for Manitobans.

The CIHI report reinforces what this government has been saying since before taking power in 2016 – the province’s health-care system is not working as it should for Manitobans and government will implement the necessary changes to improve it.

The innovation that exists in the healthcare system is continuing to show positive results for Manitobans. One innovative practice in particular offers cataract surgery without sedation for those who meet the criteria. Since August 2017, Misericordia Health Centre, where the bulk of cataract surgeries are performed in Winnipeg, has already performed 200 cataract removals without sedation for eligible clients who have experienced shorter recovery times with the same restoration of sight.

Additionally, Winnipeg is the third Canadian centre to offer same-day hip surgery. The procedure is done using a special type of anesthetic and results in a significant saving of time and money, since patients do not need to stay in hospital overnight. Many other criteria need to be in place for clients to qualify, including help at home for the first night following surgery to ensure patient safety. However, initial feedback from the 36 patients to have the procedure done here has been promising.

Finally, a hip and knee clinic has been introduced to reduce the number of people referred for surgery. In the pilot program, a physiotherapist and a non-practicing orthopedic surgeon assess patients. In some cases, patients are able to address their hip and knee issues through exercise or treatment other than surgery. This ensures resources are being used most efficiently and helps reduce the number of people referred for surgery.

We will continue to support innovation in priority surgeries such as cataract removal and hip and knee replacements while responding to the recommendations contained in the Wait Times Reduction Task Force Report including increasing the number of surgeries performed.