CALGARY — Alberta Health Services says 5,000 more high-priority surgeries will be performed in the province next year.
The operations will include heart, cancer, gynecological and neuro surgeries, as well as hip and knee replacements.
Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky (zwahz-DEHS’-kee) says the cost of the additional surgeries will be about $16.7 million.
The change will include opening more operating rooms in hospitals around Alberta.
Last Friday, Alberta Health Services officials promised to deal with emergency room and surgery backlogs that have created a political headache for the provincial government.
Dr. John Kortbeek, who helps manage surgeries in Alberta, says the new funding will help reduce wait times for operations.