Winnipeg seeing improved emergency care wait times
Winnipeg saw improved wait times at emergency departments and urgent care centres in December.
According to new numbers from Shared Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), the median wait times improved by nearly 35 minutes month-over-month to 2.6 hours. The data also shows that 90th percentile waits, which is the point at which 90 per cent of patients received care, improved by nearly 37 minutes to 7.22 hours.
The health-care agencies attribute the improvements, in part, to lower patient volumes. However, they say work still needs to be done, as the wait times are not at pre-pandemic levels.
“We are encouraged to see improvements but remain unsatisfied by current wait times, which are still higher than any of us working in health-care would like,” said Dr. Shawn Young, the chief operating officer for HSC Winnipeg, in a news release.
“We remain committed to continuing our work to improve patient flow in our hospitals and we thank our physicians and staff for their ongoing efforts to provide patient care during this challenging period.”
Some of the initiatives being taken to improve wait times include:
- Additional physician shifts scheduled at Winnipeg hospitals;
- Daily safety meeting with leaders and staff to identify and discuss challenges; and
- Offering paid training for entry-level applicants to become home care attendants.
Winnipeggers are reminded to continue seeking care in an emergency, either by calling 911 or going to an emergency department or urgent care centre.
Upon arrival, all patients are assessed and triaged and care will be provided. The sickest and most injured patients are prioritized, while those with lower-acuity concerns should expect longer waits.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
U.S. FAA launches investigation into unauthorized personnel in cockpit of Colorado Rockies flight to Toronto
The U.S.’s Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a video that appears to show unauthorized personnel in the cockpit of a charted Colorado Rockies flight to Toronto.