Surgical wait times have been significantly reduced over the past two years.
From March 31, 2008 to March 31, 2010, the number of people waiting more than 18 months for surgery has been reduced by 39 per cent, from 2,568 to 1,560. The number of people waiting more than 12 months was reduced by 22 per cent, from 5,137 to 4,002.
Health Minister Don McMorris said there is more to be done, but the reduction in wait times over the past two years is a big step in the right direction.
"Providing patients with timely surgical care is a key priority for Saskatchewan," McMorris said. "Health regions and health professionals are clearly stepping up to the challenge. Their support will help us transform the surgical patient experience and achieve the ambitious goals set by the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative."
Health regions have been focusing on reducing the number of "long waiting" cases. Wait times have declined most significantly in orthopaedics, traditionally one of the most challenging specialties in which to provide timely service. Over the past year, the number of patients waiting more than six months for a hip or knee replacement dropped 38 per cent. The number waiting more than a year dropped 62 per cent.
The progress in orthopaedics is due largely to service delivery efficiencies and the introduction of new assessment and treatment clinics in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina and Moose Jaw. Patients considering hip or knee surgery receive more streamlined care, from referral through to the post-operative stage.
McMorris said this is just one example of effective 'patient first' practices being adopted across the province under the umbrella of the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative. The initiative was launched in March to help improve surgical care for patients and ensure that by 2014, no one waits more than three months for surgery. McMorris noted that extensive collaboration on the plan continues with physicians, surgeons, nurses, therapists, former surgical patients and health sector organizations, associations and unions.
In 2009-2010, about 77,700 surgeries were completed in the province, an increase of 1,800 over the previous year. About 27,300 patients were waiting for surgery as of March 31, 2010, approximately 1,100 fewer than three months earlier.
McMorris thanked all health system partners for supporting new approaches and innovations that will improve the quality and availability of health services for Saskatchewan people.New year-end surgical wait time data posted is at www.sasksurgery.ca.
