Ontario’s health minister broke a week of silence Tuesday afternoon to address the growing closings of hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units. However, she would not admit whether the series of suspensions was acceptable.
“It’s always a very challenging decision when they have to close an emergency room, whether it’s for four hours, one shift or in some cases over the weekend. I know it’s a big challenge for them to do that and make those decisions,” Health Minister Sylvia Jones told CP24 on Tuesday.
“However, I want to reassure people that Ontario Health is a major part of the plan to work with these local hospitals to make sure they have capacity and all options have been put on the table.”
While Jones has made several public appearances since being appointed to her new role on June 24, she has so far not addressed the staffing crisis that has led to dozens of hospital closings.
This is the first time Jones has accepted an interview request from CTV News Toronto or CP24 since he was sworn in as health minister.
While Jones called the emergency department closings “very troubling,” she said the province has “done a lot” to address the problem. As evidence, she pointed to the province’s ongoing work with partner health organizations.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Nurses Association says its members reported about 25 hospitals were forced to make changes over the long weekend due to staffing shortages across the province.
“Both [they] they had to reduce capacity in their emergency departments, operating rooms, beds, maternity and patients who had to be transferred to other hospitals. It’s absolutely outrageous,” Ontario Nurses Association president Catherine Hoy said Tuesday.
Dr. Adil Shamji, emergency physician and Liberal MPP for Don Valley East, says 13 different emergency departments in the province have been forced to close. “And that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
It follows news that an entire intensive care unit at a Bowmanville hospital has been temporarily closed ahead of the long weekend.
Shamjo said he resorted to sending Jones a letter after multiple emails went unanswered.
On Tuesday morning in Queens Park, Ontario Liberal MP John Fraser insisted there are measures available that the province “should have taken by now,” including repealing Bill 124, which caps nurse pay increases at one per cent.
“I’ve spoken to a number of nursing organizations,” Jones said in response to a question about why the Ford government is refusing to repeal Bill 124. “I’m going to continue those conversations as we come up with ideas and solutions because I know that’s the only way it’s going to work , is if all organizations understand their role and how we can improve it in Ontario,” said Jones.
Fraser also called on the province to add more mental health benefits, 10 paid sick days for all Ontario workers and speed up the credentialing of the tens of thousands of nurses sitting on the sidelines because they were educated outside the country.
“Plug the hole in the boat,” Fraser said.
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