FRANCAIS

March 02, 2006

The Province of Manitoba has created the position of provincial director of patient access in order to ensure patients receive timely access to needed surgical procedures, Health Minister Tim Sale announced today.

Dr. Luis Oppenheimer, current medical director of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) surgery program, has accepted the position.

In the last eight years as director of surgery, Oppenheimer has overseen a number of wait-list initiatives that have helped reduce wait times, resulting in speedier access to needed procedures.

In his new position, Oppenheimer will be working with all regional health authorities to reduce wait times, first targeting the three surgical areas identified in the first ministers’ accord (cardiac, orthopedics and sight restoration). He will assist in directing resources to needed areas as well as introducing new ways of doing business in order to improve patient access.

"This new position underscores and ensures the province’s commitment to keeping wait times a key priority throughout the system," said Sale.

"A lot can be done to reduce waiting times and ensure patient access by the introduction of new efficiencies. It’s not always about more money, sometimes it’s just about thinking outside the box, introducing changes that result in better patient care."

Dr. Brian Postl, president and CEO of the WRHA, said Oppenheimer was the natural choice for the job.

"During his tenure as director of surgery, a number of successful initiatives dealing with wait times have been introduced," said Postl. "Under his leadership, we’ve made huge progress in the area of minimally-invasive surgery which has had a very positive impact on patients being able to access the system. As well, the wait time for cardiac surgery has been cut in half over the last few years."

Oppenheimer said he would continue to implement innovative techniques to improve system performance such as the introduction of more clinical assistants. Last year, the introduction of anesthetist clinical assistants at Concordia Hospital has allowed the facility to run a double operating room system for orthopedic surgeries. That allows one surgeon to perform six surgeries a day instead of the standard three.

A more recent initiative to target patients who’ve had unusually long waits for hip and knee replacements is now in its third month. During that time, about half of all the replacements performed were on patients who had waited more than 40 weeks.

Oppenheimer will also work with health authorities to improve co-ordination. He pointed to the newly-created rehab program at the Riverdale Health Centre in Rivers as an example of how better co-ordination can improve patient care. Co-operation between the Assiniboine and Brandon regional health authorities created a rehab program in Rivers that freed up bed space to allow for more surgeries to be performed in Brandon.

Oppenheimer said he is excited about the new challenge. "I think what will be most satisfying will be the final result — better and faster patient care."

Oppenheimer will transition from his current position to his new one over the next few months although his appointment takes effect immediately. While he will be working with all regional health authorities, Oppenheimer will report to both Manitoba Health and the WRHA.

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