The provincial task force with the goal of getting more Manitobans the diagnostic and surgical procedures they need, and reducing and eliminating the health-system backlogs caused by the pandemic, is setting its sights on increasing health-system capacity even further.

“The initial focus of the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force was on addressing the immediate needs of patients, reducing wait times, and getting procedures done as soon as possible,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon. “As the task force has now made important strides in reducing and eliminating pandemic-induced backlogs, it is time to shift the focus to building health-system capacity now and for the future. Today marks a milestone as the task force shifts from prioritizing recovery to emphasizing increased capacity in a stronger, more resilient public health system.”

The total surgical backlog has been reduced by 32 per cent and the total diagnostic backlog has been reduced 31 per cent, encompassing nearly 26,500 cases since 2020, the minister noted.

Pandemic backlogs have been eliminated in the following areas:

  • cataract surgeries;
  • CT scans;
  • ultrasound tests;
  • cardiac catheterization lab tests;
  • pacemakers surgeries;
  • pediatric neurodevelopmental assessment;
  • urology tests;
  • orthopedic surgeries (excluding hip, knee and spine surgeries);
  • oral surgery and dentistry; and
  • echocardiography tests.

Pandemic backlogs have been significantly reduced for the following areas:

  • cardiac surgery (reduced by 54 per cent);
  • bone density (reduced by 53 per cent);
  • pain management (reduced by 47 per cent);
  • orthopedic spine (reduced by 94 per cent); and
  • adult allergy testing (reduced by 66 per cent).

“We are continually expanding the number of service lines we are supporting through the efforts of the task force,” said Dr. Peter MacDonald, chair, Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force steering committee. “Over the next two years, we are projecting an additional 180,000 cases will be treated through these initiatives. The task force is grateful to health-care providers across the system and suppliers who continue to rise to the occasion to provide excellent care to thousands of Manitobans.”

Beginning in the summer of 2020, the Manitoba government began addressing backlogs caused by COVID-19 through request for supply arrangements with in-system and contracted care providers in Manitoba, which has resulted in nearly 26,500 cases completed to date.

“Tackling backlogs is a key initiative in getting more patients the treatments they need more quickly,” said Dr. Ed Buchel, surgical lead on the task force steering committee. “Interim solutions alleviate pressure and provide breathing space so we can shift focus to important system building and sustainability efforts. Ultimately, we are working to expand capacity and build a more resilient health system for patients and our health-care providers.”

The Manitoba government established the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force in late 2021 to address waitlists for diagnostic, surgical procedures, and other related services. Supported by experts from across Canada, the team of respected local health-care professionals identify and implement short- and long-term solutions to improve surgical and diagnostic waitlists and make overall lasting improvements to Manitoba’s health-care system.