Most patients receiving care within recommended wait times for priority areas

Length of time patients wait for care varies by province

A new study released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that there are variations between provinces in meeting wait time benchmarks and in reducing wait times for priority-area procedures. For example, the study found that as of December 2009, most patients (75%) in six provinces were getting hip replacement surgery within the recommended wait time, but at least one-quarter of patients in the remaining four provinces waited longer than the benchmark time.

CIHI`s study, Wait Times Tables-A Comparison by Province, 2010 reports on patient wait times for five priority areas identified by Canada`s first ministers in 2004: cancer treatment, cardiac care, sight restoration, joint replacement and diagnostic imaging. Benchmarks were set for several of these areas, as well as for hip fracture repair. Provinces report how long patients wait for care compared to the benchmarks. In this annual study, CIHI reports on the progress being made across jurisdictions.

Media Advisory

Report:
Wait Times Tables—A Comparison by Province, 2010

About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.

For more information please contact communications@cihi.ca.