Newfoundland and Labrador Best in Canada for Priority Wait Times

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have shorter wait times for radiation, bypass surgery, hip and knee replacement and cataract surgery than any other province in Canada according to a report from the Wait Times Alliance. The report also acknowledged the province for its steady improvement in these priority areas while wait times are increasing in other Canadian jurisdictions.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, 91 per cent of residents received access to the priority benchmarked services within recommended timeframes. The national benchmark is 90 per cent.

“Our government has placed considerable focus on ensuring residents have access to high quality infrastructure, treatments, and medical professionals,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Being the best in Canada for wait times for these procedures are positive outcomes from our commitment. We will build on these improvements, as well as our success in recruiting and retaining doctors and nurses, which we have more of today than ever before in our history.”

According to the annual report, an A+ was given for wait times for radiation, bypass surgery, cataract surgery, and hip replacement. The most significant improvement was in the area of knee replacement which went from a C grade to an A in two years, which resulted in this province being one of two provinces to receive an A grade for wait times for this procedure.

“The Wait Times Alliance’s recognition of our consistent improvement highlights the value of our provincial wait times’ strategies and our targeted investments,” said Minister Sullivan. “Continuous improvement and ensuring families and residents have access to quality health services are core values for the Dunderdale Government.”

The Wait Times Alliance consists of national medical associations and groups whose members provide patient care. To access the report, visit www.waittimealliance.ca. 

The Provincial Government has invested over $140 million over the past eight years to improve wait times. This includes the establishment of a new Access and Clinical Efficiency Division within the Department of Health and Community Services to focus on wait time improvement strategies. For more information regarding provincial wait times, visit www.gov.nl.ca/health/wait_times. 

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 06 14                       12:40 p.m.