Orthopaedic Care Day in Canada marked as provinces continue to struggle with wait times
On Wednesday, a not-for-profit association is encouraging Canadians to join in celebrating Orthopaedic Care Day, perhaps while they wait another week to get that operation done.
"Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day transcends mere celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the innovative spirit and tireless dedication within our community,” said Canadian Orthopaedic Association president Dr. Pierre Guy.
With 10.6 per cent of residents living with a mobility-related disability, the association is highlighting the need for advancements in musculoskeletal health and mobility.
“Together, we're not only advancing orthopaedic care for our patients, but also championing a culture of collaboration among healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Pierre Guy.
The association says the orthopaedic team-based care is especially important with the challenge of having the nation's highest specialty wait time for surgery in 2023.
However, it also says recent data reveals some promising developments in the field.
“In 2021–2022, a remarkable 15.6 per cent of hip and knee replacements performed to treat osteoarthritis were conducted as day surgeries, a significant leap from 0.7 per cent in 2018–2019,” stated the association in a news release.
“Our focus remains on improving these wait times through strategic initiatives and collaboration, underscoring the urgent need for continued support and resources.”
'TOO LONG'
According to a report issued by the Fraser Institute, Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada, 2023 are too long.
"The results of this year’s survey indicate that despite provincial strategies to reduce wait times and high levels of health expenditure, it is clear that patients in Canada continue to wait too long to receive medically necessary treatment," the report said.
It found that Ontario had the shortest wait list betweeen a referral from a general practitioner and receipt of treatment at 21.6 weeks. The average across the country was 27.7 weeks, which is 198 per cent longer than the 9.3 weeks Canadians waited in 1993.
Alberta patients had an average wait time of 33.3 weeks, about the same as Newfoundland's 33.5.
The longest waits are in Nova Scotia, at 56.7 weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Is there a cost to convenience? Canada approves new cancer immunotherapy treatment
A new cancer treatment recently approved in Canada promises to cut treatment time down to just minutes, but experts have differing opinions on whether it's what's best for patients.
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.