With its supplementary budget now approved, the territorial government is providing additional funding to the Yukon Hospital Corp. Renée Francoeur, a spokesperson for the cabinet office, noted Friday the government budgeted an additional $17.11 million in the 2023-24 supplementary estimates.

The funding is to be used to deal with the pressures impacting in-territory surgeries and medical imaging programs.

Surgeries will be reduced by approximately one-third beginning Dec. 18 – and the slowdown will last approximately three weeks.

The Yukon Medical Association (YMA) has expressed concerns the cutback could last longer this week.

“Additional investments are being made to ensure that Yukoners have timely access to the care and health services they require,” reads a government statement issued Friday.

“This will ensure that imaging and surgical services will continue without disruption.

“We are working collaboratively with the Yukon Medical Association and the Yukon Hospital Corporation to ensure that services return to the previously anticipated levels from that point on.”

Tracey-Anne McPhee, the minister of Health and Social Services, said “improving access to our health care system is a top priority for the Department of Health and Social Services and our partners.”

Dr. Alex Kmet, the YMA’s president, expressed concerns last week about the surgical cutbacks, which he attributed to a staff shortage.

He seemed appreciative of the government announcement.

“Supporting the capacity of surgical services and medical imaging is key to improving health outcomes and bettering the experiences of patients, physicians and their health care team members,” he said.

“Working together with our partners to reduce wait times and ensure staffing levels meet the demands of the system will greatly benefit the health and well-being of all involved.”

The hospital corporation’s resources and funding support up to 3,200 surgeries per year, including planned and unplanned surgeries.

At the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year, 3,841 surgeries were completed. 

“With these joint efforts underway, we are strategically addressing the immediate pressures in our health care system, particularly in surgical services and medical imaging, while supporting our people and teams,” said Al Lucier, chair of the hospital corporation’s board of trustees.

“Our aim is to reduce growth in wait times and service delays, and we are working with our teams and system partners to develop plans to return to previously expected service levels.

“Going forward, we will need to be responsive as the environment continues to evolve,” Lucier added.

Imaging services, such as x-rays, CT scans and mammograms, and surgical services such as hip and joint replacement and cataract removal, will continue to be prioritized.

People waiting for surgery or medical imaging services are encouraged to continue working with their health care provider to manage symptoms.

If their physical status changes significantly, they should contact their health care provider immediately to discuss their condition.

If they have a medical emergency, they should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

A Health Human Resources Steering Committee, jointly led by the government and the hospital corporation, has been formed to help address the Yukon’s health human resource challenges.

The steering committee is developing a Health Human Resources Strategy “to explore bold and innovative solutions to address immediate health care challenges and prepare for long-term systemic needs.”

The strategy will be released soon.