News Release
2006-110
November 20, 2006
For immediate release
Canada's new government launches historic first wait times guarantee in First Nations prenatal
project
OTTAWA - On the occasion of National Child Day, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister
of Health, today announced that Health Canada is developing pilot projects to establish and test
Patient Wait Times Guarantees (PWTGs) for specific federal health services on reserve, beginning
with pilot projects for prenatal care in a number of First Nations communities. Minister Clement
made this announcement before the Canadian Institute where he was speaking on patient wait times
guarantees in Toronto.
"By establishing Patient Wait Times Guarantees on reserve, Canada's new government is acting to
improve access to some of the health services it provides to First Nations," Minister Clement stated. "Prenatal
care early in pregnancy is instrumental in identifying health problems in the initial stages of fetal
development. First Nations women who live on reserve may not have been able to access prenatal care
as early as is optimal during their pregnancy. Early intervention can improve overall health for
mothers and life-long health and well-being for their children," he added.
Pilot projects will be implemented in five to 10 communities and last approximately two years. The
projects will provide the following Patient Wait Times Guarantees: initial prenatal appointment scheduled
within 2 weeks of positive pregnancy test, appointments scheduled with a health care provider every
4 weeks after initial visit and confirmation of a future appointment for specialist and diagnostic
services made within 2 weeks of decision to refer a woman with an at-risk pregnancy.
Health Canada will work closely with First Nations and research organizations to ensure the success
of these pilot projects. Once complete, the results of the pilot projects will be evaluated for use
in other First Nations communities across Canada.
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Media Enquiries:
Carole Saindon
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
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