Thank you.
We're hearing reports this week, as we've heard reinforced this morning, of dramatically dwindling supplies of medical isotopes. We're also hearing numerous reports coming out of testing for cancer and treatment for heart disease being cancelled or postponed. We can imagine what a dramatic impact this must be having on patients and their families.
As recently as last Friday, when I asked the Conservative government in question period, they continued to deny that there's a growing crisis in relation to medical isotopes.
You may be aware that Dr. Jean-Luc Urbain, who is president of the Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine, said the supply of isotopes will slip to about 25% on average, and of course the patients will feel the crunch. He's in fact talking about having to cut service. We've heard a bit of that this morning as well.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine in the United States is describing the shortage as “one of the most significant disruptions ever”, and supplies are expected to be scarce in Canada for about two weeks, according to nuclear medicine specialists. Perhaps we can hear more on that.
Hamilton Health Sciences experts say they expect to see the isotope supply drop to 15% by Friday.
The Ottawa Heart Institute has cancelled seven patients who were booked for appointments today: “Hospitals are being affected to varying degrees depending on their arrangements with isotope suppliers.”
So I guess I'd like to hear more from Mr. Turcotte.
First, I would like Dr. Turcotte to tell us about his personal experience, in his position, and the challenges that he and his colleagues face in managing this crisis.