SK has longest waits for hip, knee surgeries: CIHI

REGINA – Saskatchewan’s Opposition NDP is condemning the provincial government for having the longest wait times in the country for hip and knee surgeries. Recent data released by The Canadian Institute for Health Information shows median wait times for knee replacements was 467 days in Saskatchewan last year.

The data also shows median wait times for hip replacements was 309 days. The numbers put Saskatchewan at the bottom of the list when compared to other provinces.

NDP Leader Carla Beck (pictured) says the long waits are unacceptable, arguing the Saskatchewan Party government isn’t doing enough to solve the problem.

“Almost everyone in Saskatchewan knows someone waiting in pain for a surgery that should have been delivered months ago,” Beck said.

“We have the worst hospital waits in Canada by a country mile. No government should pat itself on the back for a job half done.”

The government has said it’s looking to lower wait times by completing additional surgeries this year, including some in private clinics.

Earlier this year, an agreement was made public that shows the province is set to pay private provider Canadian Surgical Solutions in Calgary as much as $6 million to perform hip and knee surgeries until March 2024.

“When it comes to fixing hospital waits, Scott Moe and his ministers have no targets, no timelines and no new ideas,” rural and remote health critic Matt Love said.

“The longer the Sask. Party is in government, the longer people will wait for medical care.”