Work is continuing to reduce surgical wait times across Saskatchewan and closer to home here in the Cypress Health Region.

The latest numbers to the end of November 2011 show that 100% of all local surgeries were completed within 12 months, and that goal is being maintained. That puts our health region in line with 6 other health regions around the province.

92% of surgeries were done within a three month window but the Program Manager of Surgical Services for the Cypress Health Region, Crystal McKaig would like to see that number improve even more. "I would like to see it up closer to the 100%, but between the 92% and 100% I think will be the standard for us," McKaig says. "We're not only working on the 12 month target, but we're trying all of our patients below the 9 month target," she adds.

The methods taken to improve the waiting time for surgery have included watching patients closely. "What happens is the patient is given a date for surgery. If they do not take that date they are given two more options. After that they have to start the process all over again," McKaig states.

In April 2010, the province set a goal to provide all patients with an opportunity to have surgery within three months by the year 2014. By this November, 76% of surgeries provincewide were completed in that timeframe.

Shawn Mullin spoke with Program Manager of Surgical Services, Crystal McKaig...