Simcoe-Muskoka MPPs Outraged by Liberal Cuts to RVH

QUEEN’S PARK – Local MPPs whose constituents depend on Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) are speaking out in concern about cuts occurring at the hospital.  As a result of an $8-million shortfall, RVH will be eliminating 24 vacant positions as well as 32 full-time positions.   

“RVH provides exemplary services to almost half a million patients, including cancer care, mental health and stroke patient services,” said MPP Julia Munro (York-Simcoe).  “These cuts mean an increased workload for RVH’s dedicated staff, and more patients not receiving the level of care they require.”

MPP Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka) added, “As of January 2016, RVH’s emergency room wait times for complex conditions averaged 13.4 hours.  What’s more, RVH’s wait times for MRI and CTs are both higher than the provincial average. It’s inevitable that wait times will increase, and patients will languish on waitlists for important tests and surgeries.”  

While the government announced a one per cent increase to hospital base funding for 2016-2017, gaming revenues traditionally used for the operation of hospitals were reduced by $107 million, and the government’s cuts to hospital parking fees means that hospitals could lose an additional $30-million in revenue.  

“The Wynne Liberals continue to claim that their 2016 Budget will support hospitals.  Given that RVH is facing an $8-million shortfall, it seems the Liberal math doesn’t add up,” said MPP Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey). “RVH is faced with rising costs on everything from drugs to medical supplies, as well as a growing and aging patient population and four years of frozen hospital budgets.  As a result, hospitals are being forced to cut, and these cuts ultimately hurt patients.”

“As a dedicated supporter of RVH, it is disappointing that this Liberal Government is putting RVH and hospitals throughout the province in a position where they are unable to provide a base level of services to their patients,” Leader Patrick Brown stated.  “The result is a serious threat to the ability of RVH patients to access quality health care, and it’s absolutely unacceptable.”   

Brown added, “Barrie MPP Ann Hogarth needs to choose whether she wants to be an apologist for her Liberal Government’s deep and damaging cuts to health care, or if she will stand up for her community.”