Media Advisory - Hospital staff from northeastern Ontario to rally against cuts at Temiskaming Shores Hospital

NEW LISKEARD, ON, Dec. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Hospital staff from across northeastern Ontario will join caregivers to rally at noon December 2 outside Temiskaming Shores Hospital to protest plans to cut half of the hospitals operating room time, eliminate 18,000 nursing hours, reduce cleaning and close the cafeteria and other services.

Ontario hospitals began a 5-year funding freeze in 2013 and are the most efficient hospitals in the country. The auditor general has estimated that hospitals need 5% increases each year to meet the increased costs of the drugs which hospitals provide free to patients, doctors' salaries and medical technologies. Hospitals have received 0% for 3 years in a row, which translates into a 15% cut, despite the special tax imposed by Ontario's Liberal government, in their first mandate, to pay for healthcare.

The community packed a public meeting held Nov. 27 in New Liskeard. A postcard campaign is underway and there are plans for additional rallies and public meetings, petitions and a delegation to travel to Queen's Park to meet with the Minister of Health.

SOURCE: Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (CUPE)

Arlene Hearn, President, CUPE Local 904: 705-647-8501; Sharon Richer, Vice-president, Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE: 705-280-0911