A Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) report released Aug. 2 highlights a lack of adequate staffing is affecting the health system across all sectors and populations, and in particular primary care and surgeries. “It shows that surgical procedures are being delayed. Yes, there was a pandemic, but the other reason is because they don’t have enough RNs for ICUs, operating rooms and emergency rooms,” RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun told The Sam Laprade Show (Aug. 2). In children’s hospitals, it is impacting wait times for surgeries, with some young patients waiting well beyond the recommended timeframe for much-needed care. Hamilton’s McMaster Children’s Hospital indicates there are more than 2,400 children waiting for surgeries. In an interview with CHCH News (July 21), Grinspun said: “I’m not surprised about what’s happening in children’s hospitals.” There is “insufficient funding for programs related to children, whether it’s surgical, community care (or) home care.” The funding these hospitals receive from the government is “absolutely deficient,” she added. The backlog speaks to the continued need to advocate to retain and recruit nurses in all sectors of the health system.