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Wait Times Reduction Task Force Report - exposes lack of action on previous recommendations

The Wait Times Reduction Task Force brought forward its report yesterday.   While Drs Cochinov and McPherson have presented a lengthy report, much of the details are to be found in previous reports which have looked at the function of our emergency medical system and how to improve it.  The Brain Sinclair Inquest report of 2014, as an example, includes a thorough discussion of "patient flow" issues in Emergency Departments and the need to address these. The present report which repeats the emphasis on "patient flow" issues thus exposes the failures of the previous NDP government to implement earlier recommendations, and the failure of the present Pallister government to act in the 20 months they have been in office.

One interesting example of a recommendation which has been talked about for years, with a complete failure of action by both the previous NDP government and the present Pallister government is found on page 60 of the Wait Times Reduction Task Force report.   The recommendation is for "Quick admission to a special stroke unit".  For about 15 years, it has been well known that it is critical to have a dedicated stroke unit in Manitoba.   All other provinces including Prince Edward Island have dedicated stroke units.   In opposition, the Pallister Conservatives castigated the NDP for not acting.  In their first 20 months in office the Pallister Conservatives have done nothing with respect to a dedicated stroke unit.  Thus the report of the Wait Times Reduction Task Force exposes the lack of attention by the Pallister Conservatives to the known critical needs in Manitoba in the last 20 months.

Dr. Cochinov says behavioural and cultural change is needed with respect to the Wait Times Reduction Task Force report.   One of the essential changes is to actually implement the recommendations as so many past recommendations still remain outstanding.

Comments

  1. It is unfortunate that time is wasted after task forces over the years have identified areas where critical care could be forthcoming to patients attending the ERs.
    It is equally dismaying that this current government approved the closer of ERs without the addition of Urgent Care facilitates and the actual closure of a very needed Urgent Care (Misericordia) to provide timely care to those with urgent medical concerns that seem not to be looked after in any other health care facility? Closing Quick Care clinics was not prudent at this time either.

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