NSNDP

November 6th, 2020

Wait times for hip and knee replacements spiking

HALIFAX - The Liberal government is failing people on the waitlist for hip and knee replacements by not having a plan to clear the backlog of surgeries due to COVID-19.

“It is understandable that at the height of COVID-19 restrictions in our province, wait times for medical services increased. However, these restrictions were eased months ago and we still haven’t seen a plan to clear the surgery backlog,” said Susan Leblanc, NDP Health and Wellness spokesperson. “People should be able to expect that our health care system is there for them when they need it.”

The wait time for knee replacement surgery has increased from 555 days in March 2020 to 687 days today, an increase of almost 24 per cent. For hip replacements the figures are even more alarming, from 363 days in April 2020 to 575 days today, an increase of about 58 per cent.

“Many people are living their lives in pain because of delays in getting knee or hip replacements. Some people may even be bedridden while waiting,” said Leblanc. “It’s time for the Liberal government to address this problem and help people get the surgeries they need to live active and healthy lives.”

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