Waiting for Spinal Surgery

On Monday April 4th, I asked in Question Period about Brenda Spearman who is having severe pain and is waiting for spinal surgery

Manitobans Waiting for Spinal Surgery - Wait-List Information for Patients

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, Brenda Spearman is waiting for spinal surgery. She has a lot of pain. Her current quality of life is zero. She's aware she might be able to go to Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota, for her surgery.

However, she doesn't know if there is a list for people to go to North Dakota. She doesn't know if she's on that list or not. And if she's not on the list, she's not sure how she can get on the list. And if there is somewhere a decision that's been made that she's not to be on the list, she needs to know how to appeal that decision.

I ask the Minister of Health: Will she provide answers to these questions that Brenda and others have about the government's list for people to go to North Dakota for spinal surgery?

Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for River Heights for bringing forward this case.

I do want to say that, as a result of personal health information, I cannot discuss individual cases on the floor of the Chamber. I invite the member to bring forward that case to my office. We would be happy to look into it.

For individuals who are interested in Sanford Health as an–hospital as an option for spine surgery, I encourage them to speak directly with their specialist about the program and to receive more information there.

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