Nova Scotians to Get Knee, Hip Replacement Surgeries

More than 350 patients who waited more than a year for orthopaedic surgery now have an opportunity to receive the treatment they need in the coming weeks.

"I know that there are many people, a lot of them seniors, who have been waiting too long to have these important surgeries," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "We have listened to Nova Scotians, and we are helping people in the province get the treatment they need by funding these additional surgeries."

To help people get treatment faster, the province will invest $2 million to for more hip and knee replacement surgeries.

"We're pleased that with this investment from the province and great planning and co-ordination from all the teams involved in a patient's care before, during and after surgery, we can put this special focus on hip and knee replacement," said Chris Power, CEO of Capital Health. "We know that as the health care system works to meet the growing needs of our population, difficult waits for needed care result for some."

"We are happy to be able to expand our orthopedic surgery service with the support of the Department of Health and Wellness to include a fourth surgeon and to reduce our wait list for those patients who have had particularly lengthy waits for surgery," said Pat Lee, Pictou County Health CEO.

The surgeries will be performed by the end of March.