SHORTER WAIT TIMES FOR PATIENTS

One Year Update Shows Big Reduction in Long Waiting Patients

Saskatchewan's efforts to provide sooner, safer, smarter surgical care are translating into shorter wait times for patients and improved surgical processes.

Since the Surgical Initiative was launched in April 2010, the number of patients waiting more than 18 months has dropped 57 per cent (907 cases). The number waiting more than 12 months has declined 37 per cent (1,495 cases). Data to March 31, 2011 shows that of the 24,366 people currently waiting for surgery, about three per cent (683 cases) have waited longer than 18 months.

A year one update on the four-year Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative (SkSI) was presented to Health Minister Don McMorris today by physician leader Dr. David Kopriva. It shows that surgical wait times continue to drop, though the initiative did not fully meet its year-end target.

"Addressing a major patient initiative, year one of the Surgical Initiative was about ramping up surgical capacity and building momentum to achieve an ambitious four-year goal," McMorris said. "I am encouraged by the progress made by health regions in reducing the number of long waiters on the wait list. Improvements are also underway to help ensure safer and smarter care that improves patients' surgical experiences."

"The Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative is a rare opportunity to achieve lasting change through sooner, safer and smarter surgical care," Dr. Kopriva said. "It's inspiring to see the dedication of everyone involved in the initiative, as they strive to improve patient care every day."

Current SkSI initiatives include:

• an online Specialist Directory to help physicians and patients choose the most appropriate surgeon;
• patient "pathways" that streamline care for patients with hip, knee or spine problems, and those with prostate or gynaecological cancer;
• quality improvement programs (Releasing Time to CareTM and Lean) to increase efficiency; 
• expansion of the electronic Surgical Information System in hospitals, which co-ordinates supplies, staff and scheduling for surgeries, improving efficiency;
• third party delivery of selected day surgeries and CT services, to speed up access for patients;
• funding for increased surgical capacity in regional hospitals; 
• full implementation of surgical safety checklists in operating rooms;
• training programs for additional operating room nurses;
• enhanced home care and post-operative rehabilitation services; and
• efforts to improve children's oral health.

"It's reassuring for patients to see everyone, including patients and families, working together to improve surgical care," SkSI patient representative Lori Bresciani said. "The Surgical Initiative is different, because every aspect of it focuses on patients."

The overall provincial surgical wait list is currently at its lowest level since the current data measurement system was put in place in 2004. Since 2007, the number of patients waiting longer than 18 months for surgery has dropped 75 per cent (2,026 cases) and the number waiting more than 12 months has dropped 55 per cent (3,014 cases).

The Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative was created as a result of recommendations of the 2009 Patient First Review. The Initiative's goals are to transform the surgical patient experience, and to ensure that by 2014, no surgical patient in Saskatchewan waits more than three months for surgery.

The goal for year two of the Surgical Initiative (2011-12) is that all patients have the opportunity to have their surgery within 12 months. In February, the province committed an additional $40.4 million to the Surgical Initiative to enable health regions to provide about 5,700 additional surgeries this fiscal year.

A copy of the progress report and more information about the initiative is available at www.health.gov.sk.ca/saskatchewan-surgical-initiative.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594