Tories Criticize NDP Over Surgeon Shortage in Brandon Health Centre

The New Democratic Party (NDP) government faced intense scrutiny on March 15, 2024, for the absence of a surgeon at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, which was scheduled to operate without one for a full 24 hours. From 08:00 on Thursday until 08:00 on Friday, the facility will lack surgical services, forcing patients to consider emergency rooms in Dauphin and Winnipeg, both approximately two hours away.

Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Brandon West, Wayne Balcaen, expressed deep concern about the implications for local residents. “It’s very, very terrifying times for not only the residents of Brandon West, but Brandon East, Spruce Woods and the hundreds of communities that Brandon Regional Health Centre serves,” he stated in an interview.

The issue was highlighted during the legislative question period, where Balcaen and PC health critic Kathleen Cook pressed the government on the lack of surgical staffing. Cook emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Patients who need surgery will either be forced to wait up to 24 hours, travel to Dauphin if it has capacity, or travel to Winnipeg.” She criticized Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara for failing to predict and prevent this service disruption.

In response, Asagwara accused the Tories of neglecting their responsibility for healthcare. “We’re doing more surgeries now in Manitoba than we ever have before. And why is that? It’s because we’re investing right here in our own capacity,” he remarked, asserting that the record of the Progressive Conservative Party on healthcare is “abysmal.”

Prairie Mountain Health confirmed the surgical staffing issue on Thursday. Dr. Adrian Fung, vice-president of medical services and chief medical officer of Prairie Mountain Health, released a statement addressing the situation. “Brandon Regional Health Centre is currently experiencing reduced staffing in one of the surgical programming areas. Ensuring access to medical services and care remains our top priority, and we encourage clients to continue to attend BRHC.”

Balcaen reiterated his concern for Brandon residents, including his family and healthcare workers, suggesting the NDP has “missed the ball” concerning general surgery. He called on NDP MLA for Brandon East, Glen Simard, to advocate for improved healthcare services, yet it was Asagwara who responded to his inquiries during the session.

This ongoing issue highlights the critical challenges facing healthcare services in the region, as local residents are left navigating limited options for urgent medical needs. As the debate continues, stakeholders are urged to find immediate solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.