London wait-times significantly higher than provincial average

NDP MPP for London-Fanshawe Teresa Armstrong called on the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in Question Period this morning to address long wait-times faced by patients at London Health Sciences Centre.

Armstrong says wait times for surgeries and diagnostic scans are significantly higher than provincial wait times. Patients are often left with no choice than to travel outside London in order to access care they urgently need.

“Constituents have contacted my office in London and have been telling us they have been waiting years to get an appointment at London Health Sciences Centre for surgery or to see a medical specialist for diagnosis,” Armstrong said.

“Gail Silvestro had to go to Strathroy to see a specialist due to London’s wait times, and will now be waiting at least a year for surgery she needs in order to be able to walk. Helen Tucker could not see a specialist in London and in desperation travelled to family in Greece for surgery, and is now stuck paying off thousands of dollars in hospital and travel costs,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong asked the Minister to explain why Londoners have to travel to access care despite having one of Canada’s most prestigious medical facilities.

“Can the Minister please explain why, despite our city boasting one of the most prestigious and respected medical facilities in the country, Londoners have to travel outside of the city and even the county to receive diagnoses and timely medical treatment?” Armstrong asked.