Manitoba’s new spine surgery program will reduce wait times, province says

Manitoba is increasing its capacity to perform spinal surgeries.

A provincial spine program is being created with the goal of reducing wait times for patients needing surgery, and those waiting for a consultation.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara says the NDP government is investing $12 million in the program.

Asagwara says it will reduce wait times for consultations with surgeons; establish centralized wait lists; and coordinate care across various care providers, diagnostic imaging and operative resources.

Under the program, spinal surgeries will increase by more than 50 per cent starting May 1, the health minister says.

The province adds three spinal surgeons have been recruited to move to Manitoba – two in Winnipeg and one in Brandon.