May, 8 2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB - Internal documents show the PC government cancelled 2,623 surgeries at Winnipeg hospitals over the course of over a year. Hundreds of these were cancelled orthopedic surgeries, like hip and knee surgeries.

“Every cancelled surgery is a person waiting in pain and discomfort for longer. Brian Pallister created a staffing crisis in our hospitals and Premier Stefanson has made it even worse. Their cuts have been devastating to our healthcare system,” said Leader of the Official Opposition Wab Kinew. “Manitobans deserve timely access to healthcare, including surgeries. It’s time for real leadership that will put the healthcare needs of Manitobans first.”

Between November 2021 and January 2023, 2,623 surgeries were cancelled. Of these 576 were orthopedic surgeries. Grace Hospital had the highest number of cancelled obstetrical surgeries, at 247, while Pan Am Clinic had 151, Concordia Hospital had 147 and HSC had 31.

Last month surgeons at the Grace Hospital confirmed a proposal to increase operating capacity was rejected by the PC government.  The WRHA blamed surgical cancellations during this period on factors like “staffing levels [and] the availability of beds on inpatient units” and system capacity.

“Surgeries are essential medical procedures,” said NDP Health critic Uzoma Asagwara. “The PC Government has prioritized their agenda of cuts and closures over providing healthcare for Manitobans. And now we are seeing the results: delays in healthcare for thousands of Manitobans.”

You can see the FIPPA document here.