Release secret LHIN report that calls for the closure of ER's in Trenton, Picton and Bancroft, union asks Liberal government

TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Union of Public Employees is calling on the Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins to release the report developed by the South East LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) which calls for the closure of the emergency rooms in Trenton, Picton and Bancroft hospitals, among other major changes.

"This report is being discussed at a senior level in healthcare institutions across the South East LHIN but it has been kept secret from the public. The report calls for policy changes which would have an enormous impact on Picton, Bancroft and Trenton and on the communities of Kingston, Belleville, Brockville, Perth Smith's Falls and others," says Michael Hurley, president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE. "Such cuts to a hospital system that is the leanest in the developed world and which is acutely stressed by the pressures of years of funding cuts and an aging and growing population are completely unacceptable and will be met with widespread opposition."

"The LHIN spends taxpayers money as its own. The lack of transparency, democracy and accountability of the LHINs are underlined by secrecy of this process in the South East LHIN. The public in the communities in the southeast and the staff who work at these facilities should also see this report. We ask the Minister of Health to provide for an independent and genuine process for the public to talk about these recommendations," says Hurley.

                         

SOURCE Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (CUPE)

Michael Hurley, President, Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE: 416-884-0770