Cardiologists and heart surgeons in Quebec are sounding the alarm on a staffing shortage, particularly in the area of perfusionists. The deficiency of these essential workers, who assist in maintaining patients’ lives during heart surgeries, is leading to delays and, tragically, fatalities.
According to Dr. Bernard Cantin, president of the Quebec Association of Cardiologists, around 80 individuals have lost their lives while waiting for heart surgery in the past year and a half. The role of perfusionists may not be widely recognized, but they play a critical function in cardiac surgeries nationwide. They operate the heart-lung machine, which performs the functions of the heart and lungs throughout lengthy procedures by redirecting the patient’s blood supply, oxygenating it, and returning it during surgery.
In Canada, there are approximately 375 perfusionists currently, with about 40 vacant positions and an anticipated 60 retirements within the next five years, as reported by the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion. In Quebec specifically, out of the 92 perfusionist roles, only 70 are currently filled, according to the associations of cardiologists and cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons in the province. Despite raising concerns about the shortage and increasing surgical waitlists since 2019, no significant action has been taken by the government. Consequently, the associations plan to lodge a complaint with the province’s ombudsman.
The latest data available in Quebec indicates that over 1,300 patients were waiting for cardiac surgery as of August 23, with nearly 65% exceeding medically acceptable wait times. The Quebec Health Ministry, however, urges caution in interpreting the reported deaths, attributing them to various health conditions beyond cardiac disease. The ministry contends that the perfusionist shortage is responsible for only one percent of cancelled surgeries in the province, a claim disputed by the associations of cardiologists and cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons.
Across Canada, other provinces are also grappling with staffing challenges in the healthcare sector. Naresh Tinani, a senior cardiovascular perfusionist and acting president of the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion, emphasized the profession’s low profile, making recruitment difficult due to demanding schedules and competitive wages in the U.S. Quebec, in particular, is under significant strain, with perfusionists often leaving for better opportunities elsewhere.
Yannick Pinard, president of the Quebec Perfusionists Association, highlighted the escalating difficulty in attracting and retaining perfusionists within the province due to better working conditions elsewhere. Santé Quebec, responsible for health services, acknowledges the recruitment and retention obstacles and affirms its commitment to addressing them.
Efforts are being made in various provinces to bolster the training of perfusionists, with programs available at select institutions in Canada. Dr. Michael O’Leary, principal of the Michener Institute, disclosed plans to increase student intake to meet the rising demand for perfusionists.
In Quebec, concerns persist about the impact of waitlists on patient outcomes, with nearly 80 individuals succumbing while awaiting surgery last year. The story of Debbie Fewster in Manitoba, who tragically passed away while on the cardiac surgery waitlist, underscores the urgent need for transparency and swift action to address delays.
Daniel Fewster, Debbie’s son, advocates for “Debbie’s law” in Manitoba to ensure patients are informed about expected wait times and available options. While awaiting legislative changes, the Manitoba government has directed cardiac services to provide patients with estimated surgery timelines based on their condition.
In conclusion, the call for improved salaries and working conditions for perfusionists remains a priority, with hopes for positive changes on the horizon.
