Wait times for hip and knee replacements in Nova Scotia have reached historical lows, contrasting with the longer delays seen in other provinces across Canada. In 2025, the median wait time for hip replacements in Nova Scotia was 103 days, significantly down from 173 days in 2015, while knee replacement wait times fell from 271 days in 2015 to 129 days. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that the number of procedures completed within the national benchmark of 182 days has increased by over 20% in the past year. This improvement is attributed to a comprehensive strategy implemented by the provincial health authority, which includes expanding operating room capacity, modernizing referral processes, and recruiting additional specialists. Dartmouth General Hospital has also contributed to reducing wait times by adopting robot-assisted surgery techniques, allowing quicker patient discharges and increasing overall surgical output.
Why It Matters
The significant reduction in wait times for joint replacements in Nova Scotia is crucial for improving patient health outcomes, as prolonged wait times can lead to deterioration in physical health and increased pain. Historical data indicates that prior to 2024, Nova Scotia faced some of the longest wait times for these elective surgeries in the country. The strategic enhancements made in the healthcare system reflect an urgent response to the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access across different regions of the province. This progress may serve as a model for other provinces struggling with similar healthcare delivery challenges.
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