FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2003
Funding cuts force hospital layoffs during SARS crisis
TORONTO - Hospital funding shortfalls have forced the layoff of 36 OPSEU hospital professionals, including those who are now involved in screening for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), in the middle of an apparent new outbreak of SARS in Toronto.
The recent layoffs at Humber River Regional, right next-door to the North York General where recent cases of SARS have flared up, shows the effect of cuts on the system, says the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Even after these layoffs are factored in, Humber River still says it faces a shortfall of $5.6
million this year. The hospital’s President, Rueben Devlin, is Past President of the Ontario Conservative Party.
“The cuts to health care are directly affecting our ability to fight SARS,” OPSEU President Leah Casselman said. “The front-line workers, who are bearing the brunt of this crisis, are being handed layoff notices by the Past President of the PC party.”
“We know there will be more layoffs here and elsewhere, due to insufficient funding ” said Patty Rout, Chair of OPSEU’s Hospital Professionals Division.
The cuts at Humber River included 32 bed closures and cuts to diabetic education, surgical, mental health, and the emergency program, at two sites.
OPSEU represents 100,000 public employees including professional and support staff at about 100 hospitals, ambulance paramedics, and technologists at provincial laboratories. The union represents staff at Humber River Regional, Scarborough Hospital, St. John’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Baycrest Hospital, and other
Toronto hospitals currently dealing with SARS.
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For further information:
David Cox, OPSEU Communications: 416-443-8888 (ext 314)
Patty Rout, Chair, OPSEU Hospital Professionals Division: 905-429-7529
