Doctor shortage contributing to Niagara’s high amputation rate
July 30, 2024
Niagara region ranks second behind northern Ontario for the annual number of lower limb amputations.
The Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle has brought front-line health-care workers and experts together to share ideas about overcoming barriers Indigenous people face in getting the care they need to help manage health conditions that can lead to amputations.
Some population groups may be at greater risk when facing additional challenges accessing primary health care, said Roslynn Baird, chief executive officer of the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC).
She said statistics regarding lower limb amputations do not provide information on the number of Indigenous people impacted because that type of information is not being gathered among patients undergoing the procedure.
Still, Baird said the impact on her organization’s clients is apparent, leading to ongoing efforts to help prevent amputations.
The group’s efforts included holding a daylong event at The Exchange in Niagara Falls in mid-July. Front-line health-care workers and experts shared ideas about overcoming barriers Indigenous people face in getting the care they need in order to help manage health conditions that can lead to amputations.
Yvette Amor, IDHC’s operations director, said the organization teamed up with other health and Indigenous groups “to identify the pathway to get the best service possible for Indigenous people that are having challenges with their health because right now, there are gaps everywhere.”
St. Catharines Standard
