cypresshealthregion

Surgical wait times appear to be on track

Surgical wait times across the province continue to decrease.

The latest numbers are out and show the number of patients waiting for procedures to be the lowest since the current data measurement system was introduced 8 years ago.

The wait times in the Cypress Health region are on par with other centres of the same size.

"The theory that we're working on now is that no patients will wait longer than six months for a surgery," said Manager of Surgical Services for the Cypress Health Region Crystal McKaig. "By the end of 2014 no patient in the province will wait longer than three months for surgery."

The longer wait times can be found in the tertiary centres of Regina and Saskatoon.

"A lot of that has to do with some of the specialized surgeries that can only happen in that area," McKaig said.

The Cypress health met their goals in the first year of their three year surgical wait time initiative.

Interview with Crystal McKaig:


Here is the press relase from the province:

New surgical data updated to January 31, 2012, shows that Saskatchewan continues to make progress improving access to surgery for patients.

"Since 2007, there has been a 90 per cent drop in the number of Saskatchewan patients waiting more than 18 months for surgery and a 79 per cent decrease in the number waiting more than 12 months," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "We're continuing to build on that great progress."

By the end of 2012-13, the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative's target is to reduce all surgical wait times to less than six months. By 2014, the goal is to provide all patients with an opportunity to have surgery within three months.

Currently, 99 per cent of surgeries are completed within 18 months, 96 per cent within 12 months, 87 per cent within six months and 76 per cent within three months.

More than 69,827 surgeries have been performed from April 1, 2011, to January 31, 2012, an increase of 4,184 surgeries (6.0 per cent) over the same period last year. The number of patients waiting remains at the lowest level since the current data measurement system was introduced in late 2004.

"We are working hard to provide sooner, safer, smarter surgical care, and put patients first during every stage of the surgical care process," McMorris said. "The financial commitment in our recent budget reflects our confidence in the path we're taking, and the positive results our surgical care system has already achieved."

The 2012-13 provincial budget included a $60.5 million investment in the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative. Health regions will use the funding to improve access to surgery by providing additional surgeries to patients and introducing innovations that enhance surgical care.

More information about the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative can be found at www.health.gov.sk.ca/surgical-initiative. Wait time data is available at www.sasksurgery.ca.