Trillium In The News
Mississauga News
Queen's Park will
lower waiting times
Surgery sooner for some patients
December 15, 2004
Mississauga cancer
patients, those suffering from cataracts and people with hip
and knee problems will undergo much-needed surgery sooner
under a Queen's Park plan to dramatically reduce wait times
at hospitals here and across the province.
The $26 million provincial investment, announced yesterday
afternoon by Health Minister George Smitherman, is to be shared
among 45 Ontario hospitals. Locally, the funds will pay for
388 additional surgeries at Trillium Health Centre in
Mississauga and
172 extra procedures at Credit Valley Hospital (CVH) from
now through the end of March.
Trillium is getting nearly $1.4 million, which will allow
for 110 additional cancer surgeries, 170 additional cataract
procedures and 108 extra hip and knee operations. CVH is receiving
just over $596,000 to pay for 45 additional cancer surgeries,
76 additional cataract procedures and 51 extra hip and knee
operations.
Trillium is getting more money because it is a larger hospital
with a greater capacity to schedule additional surgeries.
Ken White, CEO at Trillium, said the initiative will break
"...a major logjam in the system."
Credit Valley Hospital CEO Wayne Fyffe said many will benefit,
particularly cancer patients waiting for life-saving surgery.
"This is a very big boost for people with cancer,"
said Fyffe. "But, it's also excellent news for people
with cataracts and those who need hip and knee procedures...
(moving their surgeries up) means their quality of life is
improved that much quicker. The sooner the surgeries are done,
the better for those we serve."
Speaking to reporters and health care professionals at Trillium's
Queensway location yesterday, Smitherman said reducing wait
times is a top priority.
In total, 5,380 additional surgeries will be performed at
the 45 hospitals in the next three-and-a-half months.
"Wait times are a yard stick," that measure how
our health care system is performing, said Smitherman. "Waiting
too long (for surgeries) has real consequences for real people.
"With these extra procedures, thousands of Ontarians
will regain their mobility and independence and once again
enjoy the simple pleasures of reading a book or driving and
spending time with their children and grandchildren."
This week's funding announcement is part of a larger Queen's
Park investment of $107 million unveiled last month.
Media Contacts
For all media enquiries, please call Public Relations at 905-848-7580 ext. 3832.
|
