We have all been dealing with COVID-19 for what feels like forever. Here in Ontario we just entered into our second state of emergency. Our frontline doctors, nurses and support staff have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to not only treat seriously ill coronavirus patients but also to continue providing care for patients affected by non-COVID-19 health conditions. The reality is that as the pandemic continues, the challenges faced by our healthcare professionals are increasing as does the potential harm to non-emergent patients caused by delayed treatment and procedures due to an overburdened healthcare system. 

Delayed medical procedures and treatments increase the risk of harm to Ontarians. 

As noted by the Globe and Mail back in October 2020, our Ontario hospitals have little room for a second-wave surge of the virus. In fact, as recently as January 13, 2021, an article was posted on Yahoo News stating that hospitals in the Eastern Region of Ontario are at 100 percent capacity.

In the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic back in the spring of 2020, elective surgeries were cancelled and people delayed or avoided getting medical treatment. There is a risk that the volume of postponed treatments and procedures will become more acute in the coming months.

Delayed treatment due to COVID-19 is having a real and serious impact on patient safety. It is causing needless pain and suffering, avoidable harm and potential risk to people’s lives. While there is no question that COVID-19 is serious, the risk is that necessary medical treatment is not being done. This deferral of care could potentially lead to medical malpractice legal cases in the future.

Real concern about the effects of delays to procedures, treatments and diagnostic testing is mounting.

While most decisions to delay treatment are based on sound medical principles, there may be some instances where the decision to delay treatment is not reasonable in the circumstances. If you have a concern about a delay to your medical treatment or testing, contact Bonn Law. Our team of medical negligence lawyers can help you understand if the delay in treatment due to COVID-19 was reasonable in the circumstances or if there may be medical negligence.

Everyone is entitled to appropriate care and to not suffer needless harm. We can help.