Rally at Temiskaming Hospital Monday, campaign to draw attention of Minister to cutbacks

NEW LISKEARD, ON, Oct. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Staff of the Temiskaming Hospital will rally on Monday October 20, at noon, to protest plans to cut staff and services, says Arlene Hearn, president of local 904 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Downsizing hospitals, cutting beds and shedding services has been the basis for the provincial Liberal government's health care delivery changes. Small rural hospitals are particularly threatened under this plan. Temiskaming Hospital is in the third year of a 5-year funding freeze and cannot maintain services and staff without additional support from the province.

Ontario's hospitals are the most efficient in Canada - with the fewest beds and staff to population and the lowest costs and lowest lengths of stay of any province in the country.

Plans will be announced at the rally for a postcard campaign, a community meeting on October 30, and advertising.

The rally will be held at the main entrance of the hospital. Temiskaming Hospital is located at 421 Shepherdson Road, New Liskeard.

SOURCE: Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (CUPE)

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