The Yukon government is out to prove it’s still “hip”.

The government will be adding in-territory hip replacement services to its medical arsenal in the near future, according to a news release issued today.

Currently, all hip replacements are done out-of-territory.

“The Yukon Hospital Corporation (YHC) and the territory’s current two orthopedic surgeons have signed a memorandum of understanding to add a third surgeon to the orthopedic team and further enhance musculoskeletal services for Yukon,” the release stated.

“The additional orthopedic surgeon will help reduce wait times for elective surgeries and increase the number of surgeries conducted in the territory for patients who would otherwise have to travel out of territory for surgery.”

The new surgeon is expected to begin next month.

“The addition of a third surgeon will help reduce the wait time for in-territory knee replacements and allow for in-territory hip surgeries to begin,” the statement said.

The additional surgeon will also provide more opportunities for knee replacements.

“It is very exciting to be able to offer these increased services to Yukoners,” said Pauline Frost, the minister of Health and Social Services.

“Whenever possible, Yukon Hospitals seeks to expand the scope and availability of services for Yukoners,” added YHC chair Brian Gillen.

“More orthopedic services and expertise means Yukoners benefit from improved access to care, fewer delays, less travel, and the ability to recover right here at home.”