In its latest report, Doctors Manitoba saw a slight decrease in the backlog of diagnostic procedures of all kinds in Manitoba after the peak in February. But the number of pending operations increased slightly.
The latest estimate for April shows 166,903 pending surgeries or diagnostic tests, down 2,295 cases from the previous record -breaking report.
This is the first time in over a year that the backlog has been reducedcan we read in the report.
This decrease is due to two elements according to the organization. First, some regions returned to a pre-pandemic rhythm of activity, preventing the backlog from growing further. Also, other regions now have treatment capacity higher than the pre-pandemic level, allowing the backlog to be gradually absorbed.
Uneven development
According to the latest report, 44,094 diagnostic imaging procedures were pending in March 2022, along with 67,081 other diagnostic testing procedures (allergy tests, endoscopies, mammograms, sleep disorder studies and lung function tests) in April. These numbers have dropped slightly.
On the other hand, the number of pending operations increased slightly (55,728).
The estimated decrease in backlog is further amplified by additional volumes on ultrasound, mammography and endoscopy.says the report.
The organization, however, highlights the backlog for pulmonary function tests, which continues to rise and generates growing concern for Doctors Manitoba.
Possible solutions
To solve this backlog as soon as possible, the group proposes five possible solutions.
Priority for the government
There is no higher priority for our government than dealing with the pandemic backlogsaid a spokesman for the province via email.
He added that the government has confidence in the efforts of the Task Force on the Restoration of Surgical and Diagnostic Services. We are already seeing the result.
However, the government insisted on responding to the five proposals Doctors Manitoba and ensuring that there is currently no maximum number of cataract surgeries that can be performed each year at Misericordia Health Center. Also, the Working Group and CancerCare MB is planning an increase in mammogram volumehe explains.
Source: Radio-Canada
