Opposition concerned about patient wait times to see a neurologist

The Official Opposition said it's concerned about the current wait times for Island patients needing to see a neurologist.

During question period Wednesday, Opposition Leader James Aylwardsaidwait times for patients waiting to see a neurologist is up to two years.

"Patient wait times are a very serious issue. Question to the minister, do you consider the two year wait list for neurology services contributing to good patient outcomes?"

Neurologist set to retire

The Minister of Health and Wellness Robert Mitchell saidthe province is at its full complement with three neurologists currently on P.E.I.

Mitchell confirmed that one of the Island's three neurologist is set to retire next spring and that there are efforts underway torecruit another one.

Mitchell also said two neurologists have taken leave this year, with one now backand the other expected to return by the end of the year. Mitchell added there is currently a locum who works part-time to deal with any shortages.

No more off-Island assistance

But the Opposition saidthere usedto be a program that would have neurologists from Nova Scotiacome to P.E.I. a few days a month to assist with wait times, which has since been cancelled.

PC MLA SidneyMacEwanquestioned the cancellationof theprogram and asked whether the minister would considerincreasing the provincial complement for neurologists.

"We've talked about a locum every once in a while, but that's just maintaining the status quo or losing ground. What options is government looking at, besides what the minister has mentioned, to fix this problem?" asked MacEwan.

Mitchell responded saying he would look into why the visiting physician program was cancelled, but that the need for neurologists was determined by the physician resource committee to determine the complement.

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