Released on August 20, 2012
Saskatchewan patients are receiving surgery faster, thanks to a concerted effort by Saskatchewan's health system, new data confirms.
First quarter results for the 2012-13 year show 97 per cent of patients have surgery within 12 months and 89 per cent within six months.
Information posted to www.sasksurgery.ca also indicates there were 2,225 fewer patients waiting for surgery in Saskatchewan on June 30 than on the same date in 2011, a reduction of nine per cent.
Since November 2007, the number of patients waiting more than a year for surgery has dropped 83 per cent. During that same time, the number waiting more than six months has dropped 58 per cent.
The Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative continues to make incremental progress toward its goal of providing all patients an offer of surgery within six months by March 31, 2013, and within three months by March 31, 2014.
"The collaborative approach that Saskatchewan is taking to address surgical wait times is working because everyone involved has a stake in success," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "We're making it easier for people to find the right surgeon, we're expanding surgical capacity across the province, and we're using multidisciplinary clinics to provide faster, more holistic care for people with a range of health issues that normally lead to surgery."
More information about the Surgical Initiative can be found at www.health.gov.sk.ca/surgical-initiative. Wait time data and other information for patients is available at www.sasksurgery.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083