In a report published on its website, CTV News said that a woman from Ontario stated she waited five years for surgery that was essential for her health, but after finally receiving it, she discovered it did not succeed as she had hoped, leading her to question the quality of healthcare after years of waiting.

Joanne Millen, 67, a resident of the Niagara area, explained that she suffered from chronic foot pain that has deteriorated her ability to walk and sleep, adding that doctors have told her since 2018 that she needed fusion surgery.

Millen said in her conversation with CTV News: “I have been living with severe pain for years. And when I finally had the surgery, I felt that I did not achieve any improvement. In fact, the situation has become worse.”

She indicated that she is still unable to walk normally and has resorted to using a wheelchair, while being told that she may need a second surgery.

Her case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ontario's healthcare system, particularly regarding long waitlists and delays in necessary treatments. The provincial healthcare authority had previously announced measures to reduce wait times, but these have not yet translated into tangible results for many patients.

For its part, the Ontario Ministry of Health stated that it cannot comment on individual cases but confirmed that it "is working to improve access to surgeries by supporting community surgical centers and increasing funding for local health systems."