Manitoba Health. Representational Image on Unsplash/Luis Melendez
Winnipeg/CMEDIA: It was announced by Manitoba Health Minister, Audrey Gordon that the provincial task is focusing on increasing health-system capacity even further in reducing and eliminating the health-system backlogs caused by the pandemic to enable more Manitobans the diagnostic and surgical procedures they need, a news release has said
“The initial focus of the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force was on addressing the immediate needs of patients, reducing wait times, and getting procedures done as soon as possible…Today marks a milestone as the task force shifts from prioritizing recovery to emphasizing increased capacity in a stronger, more resilient public health system,” said Gordon.
While the total surgical backlog has been reduced by 32 percent, there has been a reduction in the total diagnostic backlog by 31 percent, encompassing nearly 26,500 cases since 2020, the minister noted.
Areas:in which pandemic backlogs have been eliminated include cataract surgeries;CT scans;ultrasound tests;cardiac catheterization lab tests;pacemakers surgeries;pediatric neurodevelopmental assessment;urology tests;orthopedic surgeries (excluding hip, knee and spine surgeries);oral surgery and dentistry; and echocardiography tests.
Areas which recorded significant decrease in pandemic backlogs include cardiac surgery (reduced by 54 per cent); bone density (reduced by 53 per cent); pain management (reduced by 47 percent); orthopedic spine (reduced by 94 percent); and adult allergy testing (reduced by 66 per cent).
“We are continually expanding the number of service lines we are supporting through the efforts of the task force,” said Dr. Peter MacDonald, chair, Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force steering committee. “Over the next two years, we are projecting an additional 180,000 cases will be treated through these initiatives. The task force is grateful to health-care providers across the system and suppliers who continue to rise to the occasion to provide excellent care to thousands of Manitobans.”
The Manitoba government increased focus on backlogs caused by COVID-19 at the beginning in the summer of 2020, through request for supply arrangements with in-system and contracted care providers has resulted in nearly 26,500 cases completed to date
“Tackling backlogs is a key initiative in getting more patients the treatments they need more quickly,” said Dr. Ed Buchel, surgical lead on the task force steering committee. “Interim solutions alleviate pressure and provide breathing space so we can shift focus to important system building and sustainability efforts. Ultimately, we are working to expand capacity and build a more resilient health system for patients and our health-care providers.”
While addressing waitlists for diagnostic, surgical procedures,and other related services, the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force established by the Manitoba government in late 2021, supported by experts from across Canada identify and implement short- and long-term solutions to improve surgical and diagnostic waitlists and make overall lasting improvements to Manitoba’s health-care system.
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