If re-elected in the October 3 election, Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew plans to reduce wait times and add beds at Grace Hospital.

In a release, Kinew announced that the NDP would commit to adding 12 additional step-down beds at a cost of $3.6 million. The beds will have 1-1 patient ratios for higher acuity patients ready to move out of the ER.

"Our plan to open three more ERs and add bed capacity to the Grace Hospital means you can be seen by a doctor faster. The time for excuses is over. It’s time for change," said Kinew.  

The Manitoba NDP also committed to expanding surgical capacity at Grace Hospital. NDP leader Wab Kinew says they would work with surgeons at the Grace to find solutions to clearing the surgical backlog, starting by adding five elective orthopaedic surgery beds and two surgical slates. They would also work to restore the physiotherapy department to its capacity.

"We can end the surgical backlog by listening to surgeons and increasing capacity here at the Grace,” said Kinew. 

Earlier this month, Kinew committed to expanding surgical capacity at the Concordia Hospital as part of his plan to reopen the Concordia ER.