Skip to content Ontario.ca Français

News Releases

Ontario a Leader in Reducing Wait Times

McGuinty Government’s Wait Times Investments Result in Continued Success

June 20, 2012

Ontario is once again the national leader in reducing wait times for five priority health services, according to a report card issued by the Wait Time Alliance.

For the fifth consecutive year, the alliance gave Ontario straight As for meeting performance targets in reducing wait times in five areas – hip replacements, knee replacements, cataract surgery, radiation oncology and cardiac services. Ontario was the only province to receive As in all five priority areas.

While Ontario is the only province reporting comprehensive emergency room wait time information, there is still more work to do when it comes to admitting patients into hospital from the ER. This underscores the importance of Ontario’s Seniors Care Strategy, which will focus on helping seniors stay healthy and at home longer, freeing up hospital beds for acute care patients.

Reducing wait times is part of the McGuinty government's Action Plan for Health Care and builds upon the gains made in health care since 2003.

QUOTES

“This report card reflects the success that Ontario has had in cutting key wait times in half – which means faster access to health care for all Ontarians. We still have more work to do – especially when it comes to freeing up hospital beds for acute care patients – which is why providing more home care is a key priority in our Action Plan for Health Care.”
-Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2005, Ontario has achieved significant wait time reductions in the following areas:
  • Cataract surgery: 57 per cent – down 177 days
  • Hip replacement: 48 per cent – down 170 days
  • Knee replacement: 49 per cent – down 218 days
  • CT scans: 62 per cent – down 50 days
  • MRI scans: 28 per cent – down 34 days
• Since 2003, the government has invested about $1.7 billion in new funding to reduce wait times in the province for the five key priority areas.
• Ontario currently reports on wait times for 67 different procedures and diagnostic exams.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about wait times in Ontario.

View the WTA report.

Members of the media :

Zita Astravas, 416-327-9728
Minister's Office

Tori Gass, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care