Winnipeg, November 17, 2023 - The Manitoba NDP government officially dissolved the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force, which was created almost two years ago to tackle the backlog of surgeries and diagnostic tests stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
NDP Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara declared that the group, initially established by the previous Progressive Conservative government, had fulfilled its intended purpose.
The task force was comprised of physicians, public representatives, and other stakeholders. The task force took the time to explore multiple avenues to address the mounting backlog. One solution that the NDP was opposed to when in opposition was sending patients outside the province, reducing the wait time to have a required procedure done.
Asagwara emphasized the importance of patients recuperating in proximity to their families, asserting that reliance on out-of-province medical services should not become the norm. No information was provided of how this change will impact patients waiting for surgeries in Manitoba.
the Manitoba government outlined a strategic roadmap that includes prioritizing investments in public health care to address the prolonged surgical and diagnostic wait times prevalent in the province. Three pivotal projects have been identified to reinforce Manitoba's healthcare infrastructure:
Key Projects:
1. Mobile MRI Service Deployment in the Northern Regional Health Authority: Aiming to extend access to critical diagnostic services in remote areas.
2. Expansion of Surgical Slates at the Grace Hospital: Enhancing the surgical capacity to cater to a broader spectrum of patient needs.
3. Expansion of Spinal Surgery Programs: Extending programs at Brandon Regional Health
Centre, Concordia Hospital, and Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg to accommodate increased demand and streamline spinal surgical services.
However, no information was provided on specific cost details or confirming the sufficiency of staffing to support these ambitious projects.