Hurry up and wait

Date: Sept. 16, 1999
Time: 3:50 pm

Based on information provided by a survey of 2197 specialist physicians from across Canada, the institute reports that 212 990 Canadians were waiting to receive medical treatment in 1998, a 13% increase over 1997.

In addition to the increase in the number of people waiting for treatment, the institute says the average wait also rose in 1998, to an average of 13.3 weeks. Patients waited an average of 11.9 weeks in 1997. The institute's data on total waiting time for treatment consists of adding the time it takes to see a specialist after a patient sees a family physician, plus the time between seeing the specialist and receiving treatment.

"Obviously, patients who are unable to see a specialist are effectively screened from receiving treatment," said Martin Zelder, coauthor of the study. "This form of health care rationing is occurring increasingly in Canada."

Another report released today -- this one by the federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health in Charlottetown -- acknowledges the problems many Canadians face in accessing health care, while noting that "many Canadians enjoy a high level of health which continues to improve." The report states that Canada ranks among the top 3 developed countries in measures of life expectancy, self-rated health and mortality rates. It states that Canada's infant mortality rate has dropped below the level of six infant deaths per 1000 live births for the first time. "This report gives us the most current information available on the health of Canadians and the factors that contribute to the state of their health," stated Allan Rock, the federal minister of health.

The report takes a population-health approach in its organization and analysis. The goals of a population health approach are to maintain and improve the health of the entire population, and to decrease inequities in health status among various population groups.

Send a letter to the editor Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction