Media Advisory - Public Meeting to Address Closure of Thunder Bay Long-Term Care Beds: Seniors and Disabled Already Face Long Waits for Care, Health Coalition

THUNDER BAY, ON, Sept. 11, 2012 /CNW/ -

When:  Today, September 11 at 7 p.m.

Where: Lakehead Labour Centre, 929 Fort William Road

What: A Public Meeting regarding the decision by the Northwest Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) to close 65 long-term care beds at the Rivera Long-Term Care Home in Thunder Bay. This closure displaces seniors and persons with disabilities who require care. If the shut down - which has been approved by government - is implemented, it will mean the permanent loss of nursing home beds in Thunder Bay. The most recent Ministry of Health figures show that there are 487 people on waiting lists for long-term care placements in this region. The Public Meeting will feature a panel of speakers who will share up-to-date information about the planned closure and a question and answer session, including discussion about a strategy to keep these beds and services in Thunder Bay.

Who: Sponsored by the Ontario and Thunder Bay Health Coalitions and SEIU Local 1 Canada.

SOURCE: Ontario Health Coalition

Cathy Carroll, Secretary-Treasurer, SEIU local 1 Canada 416-529-1488 (cellular)
Natalie Mehra, Director, Ontario Health Coalition 416-230-6402 (cellular)
Suzanne Pulice, Chair, Thunder Bay Health Coalition 807-629-6129 (cellular)