There is a systemic problem in Manitoba - the delivery of timely, excellent rehabilitation for those who have received amputations

On Thursday April 21, in Question Period, I followed up on my question of April 20 on an individual with a leg amputation who needed rehabilitation, but was not getting in. I raised issues of two more individuals who have had problems accessing rehabilitation following amputation. In one case, the situation was so chaotic Mr Carpenter said of Manitoba's Health Care system "Nobody has a clue what's going on." My question and the Minister's response is below.

Constituent Health Concern
Access to Rehabilitation Care

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, yesterday I asked about the availability of rehab for a gentleman who had his leg amputated. Sadly, his experience is not unique.

Shay-la MacLean also had a leg amputated, and instead of a focus on rehab, her pain and health concerns were initially dismissed.

Jeff Carpenter, who had parts of both his legs amputated, described being beyond frustrated at having to wait at least 21 weeks to get an occupational therapist to help him. As I table, he said of the health-care system for which the minister is responsible: Nobody has a clue what's going on.

I ask the Minister to explain why such a basic item of care as rehabilitation following an amputation is being so poorly looked after in Manitoba?

Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for River Heights for bringing this to my attention. I will certainly have discussions with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as well as the facility leads to investigate each case in specifics.

Unfortunately, due to The Personal Health Information Act, I cannot discuss the specifics of an individual's health status, or the health services they will receive, in the Chamber, but happy to look into each and every case the member has brought forward.

[It is too bad the Minister did not even address the systemic issue of poor rehabilitation services being offered presently through Manitoba's health care system.]

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Comparison between Manitoba and South Dakota shows dramatic impact of Physical Distancing

Manitoba implemented physical distancing measures in mid-March. South Dakota has still not made physical distancing mandatory. The result is a dramatic difference in the incidence of covid-19 viral infections between the two jurisdictions. This graph shows the number of people with Covid-19 infections from March 27 to April 14. Manitoba ( red line ) started leveling off about April 4 and has seen only a small increase in Covid-19 infections since then. South Dakota ( blue line ) has seen a dramatic increase in Covid-19 infections since April 4. Those who are skeptical of the impact of physical distancing in Manitoba should look at this graph! Data are from the Johns Hopkins daily tabulations

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Too many Manitoba children with learning disabilities like dyslexia are not being identified and helped early on starting in Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2. The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that it is the provinces responsibility to ensure that every child learns to read, and even when, in the case of a child with dyslexia intensive intervention is needed. In 12 years Manitoba has failed to produce a provincial plan to address this issue. We are holding a Forum (see below) on this subject. Please come out to the Forum. There is no cost. Everyone is welcome. To learn more about the need to do better helping children, youth and adults with a learning disability click on this link

The Gerrard Report

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