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Yvonne Jones, Opposition Health Critic and MHA for the District of
Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says the 2005 Fraser Institute Report on waiting
lists for health services is highlighting some concerns for this province.
In the Fraser Institute Report, Newfoundland and Labrador residents have the
longest waiting time of all Canadian provinces to receive an MRI, an
ultrasound and to see a specialist. To receive an MRI in this province an
individual must wait 36 weeks, compared to an average of 12 weeks across
Canada; an ultrasound wait period averages 9 weeks in this province,
compared to 3 weeks across the country; and Newfoundland and Labrador has
the dubious distinction of individuals having a waiting period of 13 weeks
to see a specialist, the longest in the country.
"The results of the Fraser Institute’s Report highlights the need to find
a way to address the problem of long waiting lists in this province," said
Ms. Jones. "While everyone knows that there is a strain on our health care
system, I was surprised to learn that waiting times for some diagnostic
testing in this province is three times the national average. Government
must examine what improvements can be made to reduce waiting times in this
province to be more reflective of the national average.
"A healthy public debate should take place to see what the main problems
are in this province. Is the problem a lack of equipment, lack of trained
professionals to use the equipment and diagnose findings, or is a more
efficient usage of the machines and personnel needed? More investment is
always required in our health care system, but an analysis needs to take
place to see where this money would best be spent.
"The previous administration made an investment in a new cardiac cath lab
and expansion at the Health Sciences Centre and invested more funding into
hiring professionals. This apparently has helped reduce the waiting list for
cardiac surgeries in the province. To date, we still do not know exactly
where the funding from the new federal-provincial agreement on health care
spending has been invested. Some of this funding was earmarked to reduce
waiting periods for patients. Obviously much more needs to be done. I
encourage government to study these findings to find the most effective use
of our health care funds. Only then will we ensure that the people of the
province are receiving the best care and most efficient use of diagnostic
equipment."
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