01/12/2023

The Government of Yukon is providing additional funding to ensure the Yukon Hospital Corporation can address the immediate pressures impacting surgeries and medical imaging programs in the territory.

At the direction of the Minister of Health and Social Services, additional investments are being made to ensure that Yukoners have timely access to the care and health services they require. This will ensure that imaging and surgical services will continue without disruption.

Recognizing that there is a regularly scheduled slowdown of surgical services planned for mid-December to early January, the Government of Yukon is working collaboratively with the Yukon Medical Association and the Yukon Hospital Corporation to ensure that services return to the previously anticipated levels from that point on.

Improving access to our health care system is a top priority for the Department of Health and Social Services and our partners. We continue to work together to ensure Yukoners have access to sustainable, person-centred health care. We deeply appreciate the dedication and commitment of the healthcare professionals in providing Yukoners with excellent care.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

Supporting the capacity of surgical services and medical imaging is key to improving health outcomes and bettering the experiences of patients, physicians and their healthcare team members. Working together with our partners to reduce wait times and ensure staffing levels meet the demands of the system will greatly benefit the health and well-being of all involved.

President of the Yukon Medical Association Dr. Alex Kmet

With these joint efforts underway, we are strategically addressing the immediate pressures in our healthcare system, particularly in surgical services and medical imaging, while supporting our people and teams. Our aim is to reduce growth in wait times and service delays and we are working with our teams and system partners to develop plans to return to previously expected service levels. Going forward, we will need to be responsive as the environment continues to evolve.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Yukon Hospital Corporation, Allan Lucier

Quick facts

• Imaging services, such as x-rays, CT Scans and mammograms, and surgical services such as hip and joint replacement and cataract removal will continue to be prioritized.
• People waiting for surgery or medical imaging services are encouraged to continue working with their health care provider to manage symptoms. If their physical status changes significantly, they should contact their health care provider immediately to discuss their condition. If they have a medical emergency, they should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
• The Yukon Hospital Corporation’s resources and funding support up to 3,200 surgeries per year, including planned and unplanned surgeries. At the end of the 2022–23 fiscal year, 3,841 surgeries were completed.
• A Health Human Resources Steering Committee, jointly led by the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Hospital Corporation, has been formed to help address the Yukon’s health human resource challenges. The steering committee is actively developing a Health Human Resources Strategy to explore bold and innovative solutions to address immediate health care challenges and prepare for long-term systemic needs. The strategy will be released soon.

Media contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Kim Sheridan
Communications
867-334- 8832
kim.sheridan@yukon.ca

Jessica Apolloni
Communications, Yukon Hospitals
867-393-8698
Jessica.apolloni@yukonhospitals.ca

NT5

30/11/2023

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“Today marks an important milestone for mental health and suicide prevention. The Government of Canada has introduced the national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, a simple three-digit number that anyone can now call or text for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“This service offers support in both English and French and is sensitive to different cultural needs. It’s available to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and despair about the future, here in the Yukon and across Canada.

“Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and their partners, the 9-8-8 Helpline supports our commitment to helping people who are going through a hard time, no matter where they are. In the Yukon, this service is being delivered by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Yukon Division, ensuring that the support provided is tailored to the unique needs of the territory.

“Suicide is a public health issue that affects all of us. Tragically, Canada sees an average of 12 suicides per day, with certain groups being disproportionately impacted. The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is here to help, offering timely and compassionate support.

“It’s important to remember that we can help protect our youth from suicide. Key factors include having a supportive adult in their lives, feeling connected to their school and community, delaying use or staying away from drugs and alcohol, building positive friendships, and maintaining good mental health. These factors can make a big difference in a young person’s life, helping them feel safe, valued and heard.

“The crisis responders answering the 9-8-8 Helpline are trained to provide a safe and confidential place for people to talk about their feelings and get help. They listen with kindness and understanding, making sure everyone who calls or texts feels heard and supported.

“Other important sources of help remain available. The Reach Out Support Line, which Yukoners can call at 1-844-533-3030 any time, is one of them. Run by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Yukon Division, this line offers confidential and supportive help from trained volunteers for any kind of problem, big or small.

“Other vital resources are the Hope for Wellness Helpline for Indigenous Peoples at 1-855-242-3310 and Kids Help Phone – at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT at 686868 – a great resource for young people. These services are now part of the 9-8-8 network, making support for everyone even stronger.

“For local support in the Yukon, Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services Rapid Access Counselling is available by appointment Monday through Friday in-person, virtually or by phone at 867-456-3838 or toll free at 1-866-456-3838.

“I encourage Yukoners interested in learning how to offer suicide first aid to join the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training – ASIS 002 – at Yukon University. This two-day workshop is a chance to learn important skills. It teaches how to recognize people who might be at risk of suicide and understand their struggles and make plans to help keep them safe.

“The introduction of the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a key step in supporting our dedication to mental health and suicide prevention. It ensures that anyone facing a crisis can find the help they need. I encourage all Yukoners to share information about the 9-8-8 Helpline, as we strive to create a community that is both caring and resilient.”

Media contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

NT5