Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Ministry of Rural Affairs
Faster Access to Surgical and Diagnostic Procedures for Stratford Residents
Wait times for surgeries and diagnostic tests are getting shorter in Stratford, resulting in patients spending less time waiting for treatment and getting on the road to recovery sooner.
Stratford General Hospital has made great progress in reducing wait times for key procedures. In June 2013:
- 100 per cent of general surgeries were performed within the 182 day target
- 100 per cent of cataract surgeries were performed within the 182 day target
- 95 per cent of CT scans were performed within the 28 day target
- 80 per cent of non-urgent MRIs were performed within the 28 day target
- 70 per cent of knee replacements were performed within the 182 day target
To build on these successful programs, the province this year is providing more than $239,500 to Stratford General Hospital to continue to improve its wait time performance and to deliver more surgeries and diagnostic 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 that is helping deliver the right care at the right time and in the right place.
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
"By measuring wait times, we're ensuring residents receive faster health care, closer to home. As a government, we’re proud to announce increased funding to further reduce wait times at Stratford General Hospital because we recognize that rural communities have unique healthcare needs. I would also like to thank all the health care professionals at Stratford General Hospital, who work tirelessly to provide patients with the best possible care.”
— Jeff Leal, Minister of Rural Affairs
“This government is clearly committed to improving local access to needed healthcare. We are proud of the advances we have made in reducing wait times across our region, which is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our healthcare team and the important partnership that exists between the Government, LHIN and HPHA.”
— Andrew Williams, President & CEO, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
Quick Facts:
- For the sixth consecutive year, Ontario received straight A's from the 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.
- Since 2003, Ontario has invested over $1.7 billion for approximately three million additional procedures to help reduce wait times.
- Through the Wait Time Strategy, Ontarians have waited 194.4 million fewer days for key services since August 2005.
Learn More:
This report is also available en français.
Media Contact:
Bryan Bossin
Minister’s Office
416-326-3066
Tanya Marissen
Communications Branch
519-826-6569
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