A woman walks outside St. Boniface Hospital on July 12, 2017, in Winnipeg. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
The Manitoba government is re-establishing a cardiac centre of excellence at St. Boniface Hospital, including the creation of a new rapid cardiac assessment unit.
Premier Wab Kinew and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the move Friday, saying it will help patients with heart-related concerns receive faster, specialized treatment.
The hospital, Manitoba’s only site for adult inpatient cardiac care, will see its cardiology capacity expanded by 19 beds. The new assessment unit will allow patients arriving at emergency departments to be seen sooner by cardiac specialists, reducing delays and easing pressure on ERs.
The province says the $22.1 million investment will also expand access to key procedures, including catheterization, electrophysiology, and transcatheter aortic valve implantation, while improving co-ordination through a centralized access system and rapid consults.
“Heart disease touches families across the province and Manitobans deserve to know they can count on world-class care close to home,” said Kinew.
Officials noted the hospital’s cardiac program was once ranked among the best in Canada but faced reduced capacity in recent years due to funding and staffing cuts.
Watch Friday’s news conference:
