Task Force to address wait times in emergency room and surgeries and tests

The province has established a new task force that will look into wait times in emergency departments as well as the time it takes to get surgeries and diagnostic tests in Manitoba.

“We know there is much work to be done to address wait times in emergency departments, particularly in Winnipeg, as well as wait times for surgeries and diagnostic procedures,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen.  

The task force will have two committees one that will deal with the emergency room issues the other priority procedures like cataract surgery, hip and knee replacement surgeries, and MRI scans and consider other procedures in surgery, ophthalmology or diagnostic imaging.

“By dividing the two key areas, we’re better able to have the right subject matter experts focus on their skill sets and give us the most effective advice,” said Goertzen.  

The task force has been given a deadline to report back to government by June 30, 2017.

-News4 Staff-