HUNTSVILLE – Public
consultation is the first victim of Muskoka Algonquin Health Care’s
decision to shut down the Burk’s Falls hospital.
“MAHC has made it abundantly clear that it’s prepared to
steamroll over any meaningful public consultation on a decision that
will affect thousands of local residents,” said Barb Barry, president of
local 380 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union representing
health professionals, office and clerical staff at the hospital.
“It’s a sham. One day they announce the closure and then
they expect the public to show up at so-called open houses where these
profound changes will be presented as a fait accompli.”
Barry was referring to a series of MAHC open houses
scheduled for Burk’s Falls, Huntsville, Dwight, Bracebridge, Port
Carling and Gravenhurst between June 22-29.
“One week is not nearly enough time to prepare a
thoughtful response to these dramatic changes. MAHC just wants to say it
consulted the public and get it over with as quickly as possible.”
The Burk’s Falls hospital closure and other operational
changes under MAHC’s jurisdiction are further evidence that more and
more public health services, such as out patient physiotherapy, are
falling into private hands.
In Parry Sound-Muskoka OPSEU represents a range of
health professionals including occupational therapists,
physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, lab technologists, speech
pathologists, dieticians and imaging technologists.
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