Manitoba creates provincial spine surgery program
Manitoba will be performing more spinal surgeries in the province, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said Tuesday.
Asagwara announced the creation of the provincial spine program, spending $12 million to help reduce wait times for Manitobans needing spinal surgery.
“The number of Manitobans that experience spinal pain or trauma paints a grim picture,”Asagwara said. “These people are our friends, family members, colleagues and community members, and every day they are living in pain. For some folks, they’ve been living in pain with no end in sight.”
Under the new program, the number of spinal surgeries performed in Manitoba will increase by over 50 per cent beginning May 1 at Concordia Hospital, Brandon Regional Health Centre and Health Sciences Centre. An outpatient clinic for spinal injuries will also be set up at HSC.
“This investment ensures that Manitobans dealing with spine pain and trauma receive timely care, so they can get swiftly back to living their lives pain-free,” Asagwara said.
Three spinal surgeons have been recruited to Manitoba, according to the province. Two will work in Winnipeg, while one will work in Brandon.
Dr. Ed Buchel, provincial surgical lead for Shared Health, said more capacity and better care has been needed following reviews of the current situation.
“We have a new enhanced collaborative care clinic, which will increase our capacity for early evaluations,” Buchel said. “Operating theatres are being built to deliver more spine care to the most sick and complex patients. State-of-the-art equipment is going in those operating rooms.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.