Ontario’s health minister broke weeks of silence on Tuesday afternoon to address growing hospital emergency room and intensive care unit closures. However, she would not acknowledge whether the series of shutdowns is acceptable.
“It's always a very challenging decision when they have to shut down an emergency department, whether it's for four hours, one shift or in some cases over the weekend. I know that it is very challenging for them to do this and make those determinations,” Health Minister Sylvia Jones told CP24 on Tuesday.
While Jones has made several public appearances since she was appointed to her new role on June 24, up until this point she has not addressed the staffing crisis that has led to dozens of hospital closures. While Jones called the closure of emergency departments “very disturbing,” she said the province has “done a lot ” to address the issue. As proof, she pointed to the province’s ongoing work with partnering health organizations.says its members have reported that about 25 hospitals were forced to make changes over the long weekend due to staff shortages across the province.
Dr. Adil Shamji, an emergency doctor and Liberal MPP for Don Valley East, says that 13 different emergency departments in the province have been forced to close. “And that is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.was temporarily closed ahead of the long weekend.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ontario health minister refuses to acknowledge whether hospital shutdowns are acceptableThe Ontario Liberals are calling on Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones to break weeks of silence and address growing hospital emergency room and intensive care unit closures.
Read more »
Ontario hospital shutdowns lead to mounting calls for premier, minister of health to addressThe Ontario Liberals are calling on Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones to break weeks of silence and address growing hospital emergency room and intensive care unit closures.
Read more »
Ontario hospital shutdowns lead to mounting calls for premier, minister of health to address issueThe Ontario Liberals are calling on Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones to break weeks of silence and address growing hospital emergency room and intensive care unit closures.
Read more »
Ontario Health CEO admits system is under ‘tremendous strain’ and talks about 5 challenges rocking hospitalsIn a rare and candid interview, head of agency that oversees health system says “we’re in a different place” as COVID has worsened chronic problems.
Read more »
Ontario health minister looks to accredit international nurses more quicklyTORONTO - Ontario’s health minister says the province is looking at how to get internationally trained nurses working here as quickly as possible, as ...
Read more »
EDITORIAL: Hospital closures are not acceptableThese past few weeks, something Canadians aren\u0027t used to seeing has been happening – hospitals have been closing.
Read more »