Ontario hospitals face severe financial crisis: Many posts to be cut

 

 

Ontario hospitals are cutting staff due to a serious financial crisis. More than 70 per cent of hospitals in the province are currently operating at a significant financial loss. Although the government has announced $1.1 billion in financial assistance this year, the Ontario Hospital Association points out that this does not even cover half of the actual needs of hospitals.

Major health centers such as the Ottawa Hospital and the London Health Sciences Centre have already announced that they will reduce their staff numbers. As part of financial control, hospitals are cutting costs by not filling vacancies and encouraging early retirement. But nurses' organizations and opposition parties warn that this measure will negatively affect patient care.

The NDP criticized the fact that every time a nurse or lab technician is laid off, it affects the quality of treatment. Meanwhile, Health Minister Sylvia Jones responded that these changes will not affect patient care and that such measures are being taken to ensure the long-term sustainability of hospitals.