Report into Manitoba health system wait times says delay closure of two ERs – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
Dec 20, 2017

WINNIPEG _ A report says the Manitoba government should reconsider or delay plans to close emergency rooms at two Winnipeg hospitals.

One recommendation says the conversion of the Seven Oaks Hospital emergency department to an urgent care centre should be delayed until officials better understand how the change would affect patients.

It also says the full closure of Concordia’s emergency department should be delayed until the plan is properly evaluated.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says in light of the report it will slow down the changes.

The report was completed by a task force that looked at what can be done to reduce wait times in the health system.

It analyzed delays for hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery and magnetic resonance imaging and makes recommendations on ways to reduce wait times and improve access.

“Recommendations focus on better education for providers on the appropriate ordering of tests, implementing standardized referral processes, increasing capacity, making use of distance communications options such as Telehealth for follow-up appointments, and undertaking analysis to determine the best options for future investments,” the government said in a release Wednesday.

The report also noted there needs to be better clinical planning and standards of practice for many health services. (CTV Winnipeg, The Canadian Press)

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