Reductions in Regina surgery spending questioned by NDP

The Opposition NDP is raising concerns about $8 million being cut from surgeries in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

The cut is part of a plan to balance the health region's budget, according to internal documents discussed at the Legislature by the New Democrats.

The party says it doesn't make sense to reduce spending at a time when demand for certain types of surgery is growing.

"So when you're making an $8-million cut, which will mean fewer surgeries and at the same time the need for surgeries is increasing ... that's where we get this problem and that's why people are so concerned," NDP leader Cam Broten said.

Health Minister Dustin Duncan, saidthe government will keep a close eye on wait times to make sure they don't get longer, but he also said he trusts the health region's budget decisions.

"We're comfortable with the decision that they've made," he said.

He also said 90 per cent of surgeries are taking place within three months of being offered to the patient.