Bruce County’s Executive Committee is making the call for a third-party review on service reductions in place for emergency departments at area hospitals.
The county says they put out the request on Dec. 23 to look at the reductions enacted at the Chesley and Walkerton hospitals.
This review follows after the Walkerton Hospital announced their emergency department will be closed overnight indefinitely from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. starting Dec. 27, due to nursing shortages.
The Chesley Hospital emergency department hours have also been facing a reduction for over two years.
Areas including Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Hanover, Chatsworth, and South Bruce also face reductions and strain on healthcare.
The request from the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie for the province to consider conducting a third-party review, at their own expense, was supported by Bruce County’s Executive Committee.
A copy of the request will be sent to MPP of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Bill Walker, MPP for Huron-Bruce Lisa Thompson, MP Alex Ruff, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott, Grey County, as well as the municipalities of Brockton, South Bruce, Chatsworth, and Hanover.
As the matter has been deemed urgent, County Coun. Chris Peabody’s request for a contribution of $2,500 was approved by the Executive Committee. The funding will be coming from the Tax Stabilization Fund to assist with the cost of an expedited review of South Bruce Grey Health Centre’s service reductions.
Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson says they are actively taking steps to have these service reductions reviewed, ensuring that all alternatives are considered for local hospitals.
“Bruce County wishes to express our most sincere thanks and appreciation to all healthcare workers who are going above and beyond in our Bruce County hospitals, long term care homes, and pharmacies, safeguarding our region through this pandemic. The care you provide is vital, and your dedication and resiliency are inspiring us all,” says Jackson.