Released on March 26, 1999
Health Minister Pat Atkinson said today the 1999-2000 health budgetwill devote $12 million to improve waiting times for surgery.
"We are going to make changes so all elective surgeries are done in a
reasonable time. There is additional funding to increase operating
room hours in Regina and Saskatoon and to add new surgical equipment."
The funding announcement follows recommendations from the Report of
the Task Team on Waiting Lists for Surgery, released March 17.
"We have already begun working with Regina and Saskatoon districts to
improve the classification and scheduling systems for surgery. We are
also working with surrounding districts to establish 24-hour access to
post-operative care in home districts. I expect to see gradual and
sustained improvements as we implement the recommendations."
Surgeries in Saskatchewan have been increasing. In 1997-98 there were
91,773 surgeries performed in Saskatchewan, up from 77,235, 10 years
before. Cataract surgeries have increased by 306 per cent since
1987-88, from 2,776 to 11,237. Hip and knee replacements have
increased by 87 per cent from 968 to 1,810. These procedures in high
demand are among those with longer waiting times.
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For more information, contact:
Jeff Brown
Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Health
Regina Phone: (306) 787-4088