More than 200 Clarington residents stand up for local health services

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March 20, 2009

BOWMANVILLE - Concerned their hospital could be reduced to a treat-and-transfer site, more than 200 Clarington residents came out to a town hall forum March 19 to raise their concerns.

Organized by the Ontario Health Coalition and the newly-formed Friends of the Bowmanville Hospital, residents heard how the Ontario government plans to rationalize health services on a regional basis.

While Kevin Empey, CEO of Lakeridge Health quelled rumours that the Bowmanville’s ER was to close, local doctors remain concerned about the lack of funding to meet the needs of this fast growing region.

Natalie Mehra, Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, told the audience they were not alone, that the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) were the vehicle the McGuinty government was using across the province to rationalize hospital services.

MPP John O’Toole was critical of Central East LHIN CEO Deborah Hammon, who refused to advocate for hospitals in high growth areas.

Those in attendance snapped up postcards to be filled out a returned to Premier McGuinty as well as car magnets reminding government that hospital cuts threaten our health.

The Ontario Health Coalition is planning dozens more town hall meetings this year as part of the strategy to maintain quality care in our communities.

The next town hall meetings are scheduled for Kingston (April 6), Leamington (April 22) and Sault Ste Marie (April 22). Many communities are also organizing small rallies outside the constituency offices of Liberal MPPs on April 18th.

More than 200 Clarington residents came out March 19 to voice concern over the future of their hospital.

 

Natalie Mehra, Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, with Kevin Empey, CEO of Lakeridge Health.

 

Local MPP John O'Toole was critical of the Central East LHIN.

 

OPSEU 1st Vice-President Patty Rout and staff member Wendy Elliott (taking notes) were among the audience. Rout later challenged the community to get involved in the campaign to save hospital services.

 

Community members ask questions from the floor.