Simcoe North MPP Patrick Brown Rallies against Proposed Cuts to Georgian Bay General Hospital

MIDLAND – Patrick Brown, Simcoe North MPP and Leader of the Official Opposition, repeated calls to halt proposed cuts to the Georgian Bay General Hospital at his constituency office this morning. Patrick Brown was joined by a number of doctors from the hospital, including Dr. Donald, the Chief of the hospital’s obstetric unit, and Dr. McNamara, an Emergency Room physician. A number of concerned mothers and patients also joined the rally.

“I have heard the shock and concern from residents, patients and employees of the hospital of what these potential cuts will do to health care delivery in Simcoe North,” stated Brown. “This hospital is critical to the community’s quality of life and well-being, including for the diverse population it services: Franco-Ontarians, Métis, and First Nations.”
Some concerning recommendations from an operational review of the hospital include cutting Intensive Care Unit and medical beds, slashing surgeries to three days a week, and eliminating the obstetric unit – which would mean expectant mothers would have to travel to Barrie or Orillia. These cuts are in addition to the closure of Georgian Bay Hospital’s Penetanguishene site, which is expected to close down later this year.
Earlier in the week, Patrick Brown wrote a letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne and Health Minister Eric Hoskins urging them to ensure the long-term viability and funding of the hospital.
“The reality is that the Wynne Liberals are making it increasingly difficult for hospitals to meet the health needs of Ontarians. Georgian Bay General Hospital has been faced with four consecutive frozen budgets,” concluded Brown. “I promise to fight every day on behalf of the people of Simcoe North, standing up against the Liberal cuts to health care.”