In a cluster of modifications to healthcare services in March 2010, cuts were targeted specifically to Orthotics departments, implying that orthoses are now only subsidised if the patient is deemed at risk of amputation.

Podiatrists are now arguing that by the time a patient is sufficiently ‘at risk’ of amputation, orthoses may no longer be an effective treatment. In many instances that have been cited, the eventual amputations that result could have allegedly been avoided with preventative treatment.

Podiatrist Dr. Tammy Gracen is amongst those reporting instances of potentially preventable amputations. One example she cites is of a patient suffering from diabetes, neuropathy, ulcers and circulatory problems who was deemed not at risk for amputation and therefore not covered for orthopaedic shoes. In this and other dire cases, Gracen has resorted to purchasing the orthoses herself.

Gracen is one of a number of Therapists who have attempted to contact the Government to discuss these cuts, who she said never consulted them over any changes.

The Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for Vancouver-Mt. Pleasant, Jenny Kwan, has voiced a number of concerns that cutting funding to Orthotic departments has grave implications for patients who benefit as a result of their treatment. A particular area of concern is surrounding children who will not be provided with new orthoses as a result of outgrowing their old ones.

Opposition health critic Mike Farnworth agrees, saying that funding for othoses could ultimately prevent costly surgeries such as amputations, estimated at $10,000 for a single operation. Comparatively, orthotic shoes cost approximately $250 a pair, implying that cuts at the front end could just accrue greater spending in the long term. “That small amount of money improves lives and it saves an lot of money on our healthcare system down the road,” he said.