Shortage of anesthesiologists leads to operating room closures in Alberta, doctors say

Doctors in Alberta say a countrywide shortage of anesthesiologists is taking a toll on surgery patients in the province.

According to the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society, Canada has far fewer anesthesiologists for every 100,000 people than other countries, including the United States and Australia. 

The organization says that is contributing to surgical delays around the country.

In the central Alberta city of Red Deer, doctors say operating rooms are now regularly shuttered because there aren't any anesthesiologists available.

"Our situation is quite dire," said Dr. Trevor Rudge, who is one of the few left.

"We need 50 per cent more anesthesiologists. We have about half the number we need."

According to Rudge, that means elective surgeries ranging from hysterectomies to hip and knee replacements are being cancelled.

It's a big concern for Dr. Keith Wolstenholme, a Red Deer orthopedic surgeon, who is watching his wait-list grow.

"What it means is less patients getting their surgery in a timely manner," he said.

"Come September, it's two years since we've run full capacity. It's honestly getting a little bit hard to have hope."

Red Deer was hit early — and hard — by the shortage. But larger cities are feeling the pinch now, too, according to doctors.

Dr. Kevin Gregg, an Edmonton anesthesiologist, said COVID-related burnout, an aging workforce and a rocky relationship with the Alberta government are driving physicians away.

"Those people aren't being replaced. I've heard relatively scary numbers about what we're looking at in the fall," said Gregg, who is also the section president for anesthesia with the Alberta Medical Association.

He worries operating room closures could start happening in Edmonton in the coming months.