Manitoba is injecting $22.1 million into St. Boniface Hospital's cardiac program to enhance patient access and reduce wait times. The investment will fund a new five-bed cardiac assessment zone and fourteen additional inpatient beds.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara stated the funding will streamline patient flow with rapid cardiology consults in the emergency department and a centralized access office. Last year, St. Boniface Hospital performed over 1,300 cardiac surgeries, with an average monthly waitlist of 93 patients.
Premier Wab Kinew confirmed part of the funding will support hiring additional staff. However, the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals raised concerns about existing staff shortages for specialized roles crucial to cardiac care.