N.L. gets C grade for hospital wait times, report says

A national report says hospitals across the country have reduced wait times for key areas such as hip and knee replacements and bypass surgery, but other areas like mental health and long-term care need attention.

Newfoundland and Labrador was given an overall C on the score sheet released Tuesday by the Wait Time Alliance.

The province gets an A+ for the 26-week average wait time for hip replacements, and the 16-week wait for cataract surgery.

In cancer care, the grade is D for the wait time between diagnosis and treatment.

There is no data from other areas, such as the treatment of major depression, non-urgent MRI and CT scans or therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

The alliance has set its own benchmarks, which are often lower than guidelines set by government.

Its 2015 report called on the federal government to provide data on health care services provided to First Nations, veterans, military personnel and prisoners.

The Wait Time Alliance also warned that improving timely and appropriate care for seniors is a major issue for Canada's health system.

The alliance is made up of physician groups across the country, and has been reporting on wait times since 2014.