The need to improve the availability and the timeliness of Rehabilitation Therapy for an individual with a leg amputation.

On Wednesday April 20th, I asked in Question Period about the need for an individual who has had a leg amputation to have the rehabilitation he needs. Sadly the rehabilitation has been delayed and delayed. This is unconscionable. My question and the Minister's response are below.

Constituent Health Concern
Access to Rehabilitation Care

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, Mr. Stanley Shymanski, a fit 77-year-old senior who worked out at a gym twice a day, was admitted to Grace Hospital February 25th with a minor infection in one foot. Two weeks later, he was operated on and received a below-knee amputation on his left foot.

Leaving aside the issue of whether the amputation could have been prevented, what Mr. Shymanski needs now is rehabilitation, which he would like to have at Deer Lodge, so that, hopefully, he will be able to have a prosthesis and be able to walk again.

Why has there been a five-week delay in starting rehab to enable his recovery, and why has he been told today that no rehab can occur until at least May the 6th?

Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for raising this issue. The issue has been raised several times in the House as well as with my office. [It is too bad the Minister, in knowing of the problem, has not ensured it was rapidly addressed so Mr. Shymanski could get the Rehabilitation Therapy he needs]

I can assure the member that the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, as well as the facility, is in constant contact with the family. They are working with the client, and more information will be provided to the family, but due to Personal Health Information Act and the provisions within that act, I cannot discuss the specific incident of this case in the Chamber.

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