Thread by @WarickCBC

'We're frustrated, scared, tired': Sask. heart, brain specialists brace as COVID-19 slowdown worsens | CBC News cbc.ca/news/canada/sa…

#yqr cardiologist Dr. Andrea Lavoie and #yxe neurologist Dr. Brett Graham said anyone with emergencies will still receive the same care as always and should not hesitate to call 911.
But hundreds, possibly thousands of others w non-critical needs will have to wait indefinitely.

For ex, all "coiling" operations to prevent high-risk patients from suffering a brain aneurysm are on hold.

And all cardiologists were told Wed to cancel half of all upcoming heart stress tests, angiograms and diagnostic procedures. Cardiac ICU bed space has been cut by 50%.

Lavoie and Graham said health-care staff are working around the clock to provide the best care they can to all patients.
But Lavoie said there is frustration and sadness as well, because none of this had to happen.

For weeks, health professionals, academics, scientists, statistical experts, municipal leaders, etc pointed to evidence of a 4th wave driven by the more virulent delta variant. Premier Scott Moe Moe issued the public health orders one week ago after cases reached record levels.

"It's been really demoralizing for health-care workers, knowing we're about to see what we are, and there was a way to avoid it."
-#yqr #sask cardiologist Dr. Andrea Lavoie.

Here's a partial list of health care needs being cancelled or delayed, acc to Sask Health Authority:
– diabetes education
– home care therapies, foot care, wound care
- rehabilitation
– pediatric outpatients.
- geriatric respite
– eye centre, cystoscopy, endoscopy.