(AGENPARL) – mer 24 agosto 2022 [Manitoba Media Notice]
August 24, 2022
Manitoba Government Connecting Patients with Faster Hip and Knee Surgeries through New Partnerships
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Three New Out-of-Province Partnerships Help Address
Surgical Wait-Lists as Manitoba Builds Capacity at Home: Gordon
Hundreds of Manitobans who are waiting for a hip or knee replacement surgery will be able to access care more quickly with three new agreements recently signed by the Manitoba government, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.
“We are exploring every avenue to help connect people with the care they need sooner because we know the pandemic has caused delays, pain and many other challenges for Manitobans and their families,” said Gordon. “These three new agreements are an important interim measure to help people who have been waiting for care for too long, as we work to build long-term, sustainable improvements and increased capacity in our health-care system here at home. The Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force has also created an opportunity for patients who are eligible for these procedures and willing to receive care out of province, to identify themselves and learn more about the process.”
Through the work of the task force, the province has signed agreements that will help connect more patients with orthopedic surgeries, like hip or knee replacements, at three out-of-province clinics.
“These new agreements will help more Manitobans regain their mobility, wellness and quality of life,” said Dr. Peter MacDonald, chair of the task force steering committee. “Manitoba physicians and other members of the patient’s health-care team will work closely with out-of-province providers to ensure a smooth process for patients. This includes the planning leading up to their surgery, as well as an integrated plan for followup care when they return to Manitoba.”
At the end of this month, a pilot project with Big Thunder Orthopedic Associates in northwestern Ontario will launch with six patients. It is expected the program will expand to provide care for as many as 20 to 30 people per month, or around 300 procedures per year, at locations in Dryden, Fort Frances and Kenora as the program is fully implemented said Gordon.
“We are excited to be a part of this pilot project with Manitoba that will benefit patients from both sides of the border,” said Dr. Dave Puskas, orthopedic surgeon, Big Thunder Orthopedic Associates. “We have created the capacity to accomplish Ontario wait times and provide assistance to our neighbouring province. This relationship acknowledges the movement of patients between the two provinces and softens the border so Canadians can receive care where and when they need it.”
Manitoba is also building on its agreement with Sanford Health in North Dakota, which has provided spinal surgeries to 28 eligible patients in recent months. In September, up to 10 patients per month are expected to travel to the clinic for hip or knee surgeries, the minister noted, adding that 125 procedures may be completed this year, with capacity growing to 250 procedures in 2023-24.
A third agreement has also been signed with the Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio, for hip surgeries. This project is expected to launch later in September, with 100 people expected to receive this care and another 200 in the following year.