In an announcement on Thursday, November 22, 2018, the Manitoba government says that it will be investing $5.3 million to increase the number of hip replacements, knee replacements and cataract surgeries in 2019.
Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen said, “As we streamline services, co-ordinate better service delivery and adopt innovative ideas that improve patient care, we can invest in additional hip, knee and cataract surgeries for Manitobans.”
The investment will increase the number of hip and knee procedures by at least 1000 in 2019. In 2017-18 more than 4100 of those surgeries were performed across the province.
Cataract surgeries will increase by 2000 next year bringing the expected total close to 15,000 for 2019.
The additional cataract surgeries will be performed at Misericordia Health Centre.
[jaw_quote author=”Dr. Jack McPerson – Wait Times Reduction Task Force” ]The reality is that we are seeing an increased and sustained demand for these procedures as our population ages[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]
In order to meet the goal for the increased orthopedic procedures, more surgeries will be performed at Concordia Hospital, Grace Hospital and Health Science Centre in Winnipeg as well as at Boundry Trails Health Centre in Winkler. Hospital stays will be reduced by performing cataract surgeries using freezing instead of sedation where appropriate and offering same-day hip surgeries.
© 2018 News 4
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