Vancouver ~ the BC Orthopedic Association said today that collaboration among health care stakeholders leads to success for patients, doctors and communities.

Several examples of collaboration exist in BC with models of care that include surgeon-led multi-disciplinary clinics that utilize centralized intake and ‘first available surgeon’ strategies to reduce wait times.

Orthopaedic surgeons are working hard by providing timely access to the most appropriate and comprehensive care throughout British Columbia, according to Dr. Alastair Younger, President of the BCOA. Younger states there are programs in Victoria (Rebalance MD), Vancouver (Footbridge Clinic) , North Vancouver (Pacific Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine ), Fraser (Fraser Orthopaedic Institute), Kelowna (Kelowna Bone and Joint Health), Surrey (Surrey Comprehensive Orthopaedics), Cowichan Valley, and Prince George that have set up multidisciplinary clinics in order to see patients faster, improve the patient experience and ultimately improve patient care. More clinics care currently being developed.

We are pleased that the government is funding more hip and knee replacement surgeries, however we want to continue to work with the Ministry of Health to address the wait times for the other 85% of orthopaedic patients still waiting for surgery. Much more needs to be done to improve access to care for patients as orthopaedic surgeons need more operating room time to get people the care and surgery they require, however we are improving patient care with these surgeon led innovative programs.

Please visit http://solcreative.ca/bcoa/media/media-inquiries/ to see videos of examples of successful programs implemented by orthopaedic surgeons.

For further information, see www.bcoa.ca or all 250.588.2274.