The provincial government wants to help Saskatchewan patients get their surgery sooner than expected.
The government has announced $10 million in new funding for reducing surgical wait times.
According to a news release, approximately 1,700 additional surgeries will be performed before the end of March 2020. These surgeries will include cataracts, hip and knee replacements, gynecological surgeries, dental, and ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures.
The number of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) cardiac procedures will also grow by 60 per cent. TAVI is an option for patients who require aortic valve replacement and are not candidates for open-heart surgery.
Thirty additional TAVI procedures will be performed this year, increasing the total to 80. This procedure will be available in Saskatoon and Regina.
“I read the personal letters from people waiting for surgery and cardiac procedures, and I assure you that reducing the length of time people wait for their procedures is a priority for our government,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said in a news release. “We are committed to improving wait times, and this investment is a positive step in that direction.”
Most surgeries will be completed in Regina and Saskatoon but some will be done in centres like Lloydminster, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw.
