Ontarians Getting Faster Access to Surgical and Diagnostic Procedures

Health News For York Region	Print


Wednesday, August 14, 2013 Ontarians Getting Faster Access to Surgical and Diagnostic Procedures Ontario Government Continues to Improve Wait Times August 14, 2013 10:00 a.m. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Wait times for surgeries and diagnostic procedures are getting shorter across Ontario, resulting in patients spending less time waiting and accessing treatment sooner. Great progress has been made in reducing wait times for key procedures. In June 2013: •94 per cent of cataract surgeries were performed within the 182 day target •89 per cent of hip replacements were performed within the 182 day target •85 per cent of knee replacements were performed within the 182 day target •61 per cent of non-urgent MRIs were performed within the 28 day target •87 per cent of CT scans performed were within the 28 day target •98 per cent of general surgeries were performed within the 182 day target •98 per cent of cancer surgeries were performed within the 84 day target •92 per cent of paediatric surgeries were performed within the 182 day target This year, the government is investing $75.8 million across the province to support health care providers in continuing to reduce wait times and to provide more than 6,800 additional surgical procedures and more than 220,000 hours for MRI and CT scans. Ensuring people across the province have faster access to surgical and diagnostic procedures is part of the government's Action Plan for Health Care helping deliver the right care at the right time and in the right place. Quick Facts •Since 2005, Ontario has publicly reported on wait times for surgical and diagnostic imaging procedures. •Ontario currently reports on wait times for over 190 different surgical and diagnostic procedures. •Since 2003, Ontario has invested over $1.7 billion for approximately three million additional procedures to help reduce wait times. •For the sixth consecutive year, Ontario received straight A's from the Canada-wide Wait Time Alliance for meeting performance targets in reducing wait times in five priority health service areas — hip replacements, knee replacements, cataract surgery, radiation oncology and cardiac services. •Ontario’s Wait Time website was rated as one of the best in Canada (grade of A) by the Wait Time Alliance. Quotes “Since 2005, our government has dedicated funding to reduce wait times for surgical and diagnostic imaging procedures. Thanks to these investments and the consistent year-over-year efforts at the local level, we have increased access to timely procedures and will continue to do so to ensure better health outcomes for patients across Ontario.” Deb Matthews Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Current wait times by hospital Media Line Toll-free: 1-888-414-4774 media.nullmoh@ontario.ca GTA: 416-314-6197 David Jensen Communications and Marketing Division media.nullmoh@ontario.ca 416-314-6197 For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline (Toll-free in Ontario only) 1-866-532-3161
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