Staff shortages leading to heart surgery delays and deaths, say Quebec cardiologists and surgeons.
Cardiologists and heart surgeons in Quebec are sounding the alarm over a severe shortage of perfusionists — the specialists who operate life-saving heart-lung machines during cardiac surgery.
Dr. Bernard Cantin, president of the Quebec Association of Cardiologists, revealed that around 80 people have died in the past 18 months while waiting for heart surgery.
Perfusionists play a critical yet little-known role, keeping patients alive during complex operations. Across Canada, there are only about 375 perfusionists, with 40 current vacancies and 60 expected retirements in the next five years.
In Quebec, only 70 of 92 perfusionist positions are filled. Despite repeated warnings since 2019, associations say the government has failed to act, and they plan to take their concerns to the provincial ombudsman.
As of August 23, over 1,300 Quebec patients were waiting for cardiac surgery, with nearly two-thirds exceeding medically acceptable timelines.
Health officials argue the death figures should be interpreted cautiously, noting that some patients have multiple conditions. Yet frontline doctors insist the staffing shortage is directly contributing to surgical delays and preventable deaths.
Perfusionists across Canada face long hours, on-call duties, and lower wages compared to U.S. counterparts — challenges that make recruitment and retention increasingly difficult.
Meanwhile, training programs at Université de Montréal, BCIT, and Toronto’s Michener Institute are working to expand enrollment to meet the growing demand.
Families like that of Debbie Fewster, who died in Manitoba while waiting for a triple-bypass, are calling for new legislation to ensure patients are informed about realistic wait times — a proposed “Debbie’s Law.”
Quebec’s perfusionists remain hopeful that change is coming, but warn that time is running out for those still waiting for their chance at surgery.
