Report shows some provinces reversing recent improvements in medical wait times

OTTAWA – After several years of progress, it appears some provinces are slipping in their quest to reduce the time it takes to receive a number of benchmark medical treatments.

A new report from the Wait Times Alliance says part of the problem is that many hospitals are overcrowded by elderly patients with dementia — a problem that can only get worse as the population ages.

The report, released today, shows a decline in performance for patients receiving care in the five government-identified priority areas — diagnostic imaging, hip and knee replacement, radiation for cancer, cataract surgery and heart bypass surgery.

Prince Edward Island received an F for knee replacements and a D for hip replacements.

Manitoba earned a D for hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.

Ontario scored the best with As across the board and no significant changes in wait times.