Non-emergency heart surgeries canceled in Manitoba due to staffing issues: Shared Health – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

At least three non-emergency heart surgeries were canceled across the province due to personnel problems.

A Shared Health spokesperson told Global News on Saturday that the move was made to ensure there were enough employees to cover intensive care beds over the weekend.

“This change was made to ensure adequate ICU capacity across the system before the weekend, as patient flow issues and staffing challenges in some areas have been exacerbated by patient demands.” the spokesman said.

“Therefore, some capacity of the cardiac ICU has been temporarily designated to provide care for non-cardiac patients in need of intensive care services,” the spokesperson added.

Shared Health says emergency procedures will still be carried out.

Reviews are being done on a regular basis to see when elective heart surgeries can be resumed.

Officials are urging all Manitobaans to get vaccinated against COVID to help reduce any potential strain on the health care system.

The cancellations come as the province devises a plan to address delays in diagnosis and surgical operations.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon said an announcement will be made on Wednesday, December 8, on plans promised by the province for the delay.

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