Albertans seeking treatment in Montana over delayed surgeries from COVID-19
Posted Nov 12, 2021 12:47 pm.
Last Updated Nov 12, 2021 2:43 pm.
Montana has seen an increase in Albertans crossing the border to book their surgeries, all because the fourth wave forced the province to cancel thousands of appointments.
“We’ve had at least 100 per cent increase just inquires and then a solid 50 per cent increase in cases of people coming down and having their surgery with us,” said Mary Strauss, Registered Nurse Coordinator with Logan Health.
The inquiries are mostly for orthopedics because of increased pain, or it’s getting in the way of them going to work.
The cost varies based on individual needs, but the cost can range in the thousands.
Strauss says many are willing to pay the price to relieve the pain.
RELATED: An estimated 15,000 surgeries cancelled during fourth COVID-19 wave: health minister
“I’ve had patients comparing it to instead of getting my new truck, I am going to get my new hip,” she said.
“What will happen is we will do that case review at no charge to the patient, just to verify that’s what they need to have done, then I can provide them with cost that’s specific to their case.”
Depending on the procedure, Strauss says they can get people in within four to eight weeks.
The fourth wave of the pandemic forced the Alberta government to delay around 15,000 surgeries.
The first three waves of the pandemic resulted in roughly 30,000 surgeries cancellations. The province was able to address most of the backlog by August.
Sharon Durham of Saskatchewan had her cancer surgery in her face delayed, and now she has to wear a prosthetic nose for the rest of her life.
READ MORE: ‘I put life on hold:’ Woman who had delayed surgery in Alberta says she’s worse off
She’s frustrated at how avoidable her situation was had people done the right thing and got get vaccinated.
“I could have probably moved on with my life sooner,” said Durham.
“It’s really put my life on hold, and whether I go back to the initial job I’m doing, I don’t know if I will anymore.”
Alberta Health Services (AHS) apologized to patients impacted by the postponement, acknowledging the anxiety and concern it has caused.
“We are doing all we can to resume surgeries as quickly as possible, while ensuring we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” AHS said in a statement.
– with files from the Canadian Press
