NDP criticizes increasing waits for Sask. medical specialist visits

The average wait times for medical and surgical specialistshas increased in Saskatchewan over the past two years.

NDP leader Ryan Meiliraisedconcerns about the trend during question period on Thursday.

"In the last two years, wait times have increased for all medical specialities by over 30 per cent. Nephrology[kidney specialists], cardiology, respirology, you name it, the numbers are rising and rising rather quickly," Meilisaid.

The minister of health agreed thewait times are an issue.

"The overall wait times are too long but I know we've made some changes this year, [wait times] had increased over the past few years. This year province-wide we're showing average wait times are down about 15 per cent, so I think it's a move in the right direction," Jim Reitersaid.

"It's bit frustrating. We've increased recruitment. We've increased expenditures dramatically, there are 62 per cent more specialists in the province thatthere wasa decade ago,"Reitersaid.

These five longest wait times (in days) according to the physician claims database form April 2017 to March 2018 were:

• Nephrology(284)
• Respirology (263)
• Cardiology (230)
• Gastroenterology(226)
• Neurosurgery (217)

In nephrology, the wait time increased by 38 per cent over two years. In respirology, the increase was 46 per cent.

Reiter said he thinks one solution is to improve the referral process. He mentioned child psychiatryas one place where the referralprocess has improved waits.

NDP, health minister share concern over oncologist shortage

Meili called ashortage of gynaecological oncologists"deeply concerning," after the pending departures of two physicians this year.

"It's going to leave the province under-served. People with cervical cancer, uterine cancer,ovarian cancer won't be able to get the care they need in a timely way," he said.

Reitersaid the Saskatchewan Health Authority will hire doctors to fill-in inthe short term. He said theSHAwill be doing a "veryaggressiverecruitment campaign".

"I'm very concerned. The problem in that area is it's a very specialized area," he said.