This news release has been updated to show funding is being increased to $442,000 per year.
The Government of Yukon is increasing funding for the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s Ophthalmology Program to $442,000 per year.
The Government of Yukon and Yukon Hospital Corporation have had a three-year plan to reduce wait times and improve access to ophthalmology care in the Yukon. Based on the trial's success, funding will be increased permanently.
The funding is to increase coverage from visiting ophthalmologists as well as additional support staff, supplies and equipment. Capacity for cataract surgeries will increase to 600 surgeries per year to meet demand, more than doubling the amount currently performed in the territory. Wait times will decrease to less than 10 months from referral to surgery, which is on par with the national benchmark.
Demand for ophthalmology services is expected to continue to rise due to the Yukon’s growing and aging population.
Our territory has an increasing number of aging Yukoners and ensuring that seniors have access to the medical services they need is a priority. We are confident that by increasing funding for the program, wait times will be significantly reduced and more cataract surgeries can be done here in the Yukon.
Thanks to this ongoing commitment by the Government of Yukon, our hospital and medical staff are able to provide timely access to cataract care, closer to home; thereby improving patient outcomes and experiences.
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In 2018, the Access to Specialty Care Committee, a tri-party committee between the Government of Yukon, the Yukon Medical Association and the Yukon Hospital Corporation identified improving access to ophthalmology care as a strategic priority.
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The Yukon Hospital Corporation’s core funding agreement with the Government of Yukon currently allows for completion of 240 cataract surgeries per year.
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Core funding will be increased to $442,000 per year.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Claire Robson
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-5907
claire.robson@yukon.ca