The travelling orthopaedics programme, which aims to increase access to orthopaedic surgeries in the region, is expanding to Carbonear General Hospital from 25 September 2023.

The expansion aims to reduce surgical backlogs and wait times in Newfoundland and Labrador, with the potential to complete approximately 290 additional orthopaedic surgeries annually.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dr. Andrew Furey said: “The travelling orthopaedic team is one of our government’s innovative solutions to help improve access to health care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and we are excited that it will start surgeries at the Carbonear General Hospital before the end of the month.

“The expansion to Carbonear, and other actions our government is taking, will help improve access to surgery for patients throughout the province.”

This expansion is said to be built on the success of the programme in St. Anthony, where patients have received orthopaedic surgery sooner than expected, alleviating the demand for surgeries in St. John's.

It complements other initiatives, such as same-day hip and knee replacement surgeries and recommendations from the Provincial Surgical Task Force, which aims to optimise surgical resources across the province and enhance patient transportation options.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services divisional head of orthopaedics Dr. William Moores said: “Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ division of orthopaedics is pleased to begin arthroplasty at the Carbonear General Hospital.

“This programme is increasing surgical capacity in the province to complete orthopaedic procedures and will help to stabilise the current waitlist.

“This approach, and other innovative ideas, represents the future of orthopaedic care in our province.”