Hospital staff to rally and call on province to fully cover the deficit of
the Cornwall Community Hospital

CORNWALL, ON, March 1 /CNW/ - The Ontario government should fully fund the $8 million deficit of the Cornwall Community Hospital, hospital staff will request today, as they rally at lunchtime at the McConnell site. The rally is organized by CUPE Local 7811, which represents 600 nurses, clerical, maintenance, cleaning, dietary and support staff at the Cornwall Community Hospital.

CUPE Local 7811 President Diane will tell the rally that "the Cornwall Community Hospital has a deficit because the population in its catchment area is aging and using its services more frequently. Ontario has the most efficient hospital system in Canada, with the shortest lengths of stay and the fewest numbers of beds and staff to population of any province. The hospital is not being funded to cover the increased use of its services. The answer is not cuts, which will make the hospital less efficient, but real funding increases and a solution to the deficit problem."

Ontario Council of Hospital Unions President Michael Hurley will tell the rally that "the $5 million in additional dollars coming from the province leaves $3 million in services and staff to be cut. This is an enormous cut for a small community. Government member, Cornwall MPP Jim Brownell needs to really speak up for Cornwall in the Liberal caucus. Other MPPs have been more effective for their community hospitals."

The rally takes place at lunchtime at the McConnell Street Site of the Cornwall Community Hospital, 840 McConnell Street.

For further information: Diane Morin, President, CUPE Local 7811: [phone]; Michael Hurley, President, Ontario Council of Hospital Unions: [phone]