Health Minister gives an update on better access to health care initiatives

    Wednesday, 12 July 2023 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Sixty-two patients were transported on eight flights via a same-day fly-in/fly-out service from the health authority’s Western and Labrador-Grenfell Zones for procedures in St. John’s.

    Government has provided an update on initiatives that increase access to health care, such as chartered flights for cardiac catheterization procedures, the travelling orthopaedic program, and same day hip and knee replacement surgeries. This also helps with managing waitlists. As of July 4th, 124 joint replacement surgeries (70 hip and 54 knee replacement surgeries) have been completed as outpatient procedures since December 2022, including 101 that have resulted in same-day discharges;  Sixty-two patients were transported on eight flights via a same-day fly-in/fly-out service from the health authority’s Western and Labrador-Grenfell Zones for procedures in St. John’s; and Sixty-seven surgeries were completed in St. Anthony by the travelling orthopaedic program from St. John’s. This initiative has the potential to book more than 120 patients per year from the provincial waitlist who would otherwise have to wait to get their surgeries in St. John’s.

     

     

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Heavy snow

      High: -2°C | Low: -12°C

    • Deer Lake

      Heavy snow

      High: -1°C | Low: -11°C

    • Stephenville

      Light snow

      High: -1°C | Low: -12°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Trash Talk Thursday, February 5, 2026

      Topics of conversation on this week's show include gift cards, ceramics, batteries, and more!

    • Center Stage with Stella

      "Center Stage with Stella", Feb 4 , 2026 (First show)

      Geri and Phil from The Once join Stella for her first show

    • The Plain Truth

      The Plain Truth, Wednesday February 4, 2026

      February is Violence Prevention Month