Health Coalition says Niagara and Hamilton hospitals still need more
The Ontario Health Coalition is encouraging people in Niagara and Hamilton to keep pushing the government for more hospital funding.
Executive Director Natalie Mehra tells us wait times in Niagara and Hamilton still too long, yet cuts and closures continue.
She recalls 98 jobs losses at Niagara Health almost a year ago. "I realize people in Niagara have been fighting to save their hospitals for years, I know that, but we can't give up. The government has to feel the pressure, and when they do, the government does change policy."
She adds hospitals are forced into deficits due to funding shortfalls, and questions government claims that 600 job cuts won't have impact.
She adds hospitals should be running at 85% capacity, with room for outbreak surges. "In Niagara, the hospitals are running way higher than that, over 100% capacity, but in different parts of the hospitals, often, are close to 100% capacity, meaning most hospitals beds are full."
She says wait times in the ER and for a bed are unacceptable.
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