Media Advisory - Arnprior rally today over hospital cuts

OTTAWA, Dec. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Staff at the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital are marching this morning to preserve local health services.

OPSEU Local 491 and CUPE Local 2198 are inviting the local community to join them at Hydro Park at 11:30 am and then march to the hospital.

Hospital professionals and support staff are upset at ongoing job losses and bed closures at the hospital.

"These cuts impact community access to quality health care in Arnprior," says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "The Health Ministry says they want to deliver the right care at the right time in the right place, but that 'place' is almost never a rural community."

In June the hospital closed six acute care beds. In October there was a significant cut in physiotherapy services and more diagnostic imaging losses are to come in January. Other cuts at the hospital have included laundry services and all personal support workers.

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Greg Hamara (OPSEU Communications) 1-800-268-7376.