Wait times for priority surgery not improving, report shows

A new report shows wait times for priority medical treatments have not decreased despite efforts from provincial governments.

CBC News reports while 21,000 more procedures occurred in 2012 compared to 2011, wait times remained unchanged.

The report conducted by the Canadian Institute for Health Information initially found a dramatic decrease in wait times.

Hip and knee replacements in 2012 were 15 per cent higher than in 2010, putting a strain on health systems.

Director of health system analysis at CIHI Kathleen Morris says factors including an aging population and higher rates of obesity and arthritis are increasing the demand for joint surgery.

Alberta and Newfoundland lead the way in decreasing wait times while Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward’s Island are lagging behind.

The 10 year wait times plan between the federal government and provinces ends in 2014.

Flickr Photo by: Christina Welsh (Rin)

STORY WRITTEN BY: AISHA SAMU