SURGICAL WEB SITE UPDATED – PROGRESS ON WAIT LISTS

Saskatchewan surgical wait lists continue to decline, according to new data on the Saskatchewan Surgical Care Network (SSCN) Web site. Since February 2004, the number of patients waiting in the seven largest health regions has decreased by 2,582 patients. The current total number of patients waiting, as of the end of March, is 30,277.

The Web site, at www.sasksurgery.ca, has been updated to include all data up to March 31st, 2005. It provides a range of surgical care information including wait time and wait list data as well as physician location and specialty. It also reflects progress in reducing the number of people waiting. In 2004-05, the number waiting more than 18 months dropped by one-third.

"According to the latest data, half of all patients who received their procedures waited less than five weeks, and 79 per cent receive their surgeries within six months," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are making progress, and in 2005-06 we have allocated a further $8.9 million focusing on patients who are waiting too long for surgical services."

As the number of patients waiting longer than 18 months for surgery is significantly reduced, a goal of targeting patients waiting longer than 12 months for day surgery will be an additional focus in 2005-06.

"Saskatchewan is on the right track and is beginning to achieve the vision of ensuring timely and appropriate surgical care," SSCN co-chair Peter Glynn said. "We are looking forward to seeing further progress reflected on the Web site throughout 2005-06."

The SSCN Web site is intended to increase the transparency of the surgical care system for patients and all health system partners. For example, the attached chart on all surgeries performed shows fluctuations on a month-to-month basis. The total number of surgeries performed in March 2005 is down slightly compared to March 2004 partially due to the increased focus on long-waiting complex surgical cases requiring increased operating room time.

"Public confidence in our publicly funded, publicly administered system of health care depends on timely access to important surgical services," Nilson added. "In Saskatchewan we are addressing this through accurate tracking and measuring of our surgical wait list and the rest of the country is watching our progress with interest."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083 Cell: (306) 537-3593