The Health Ministry is putting mothers and families at risk by not providing the money Leamington District Memorial Hospital needs to continue delivering babies, MPP Rick Nicholls said in the Ontario legislature Thursday.
Leamington is still reeling from the job losses that have resulted with news that Heinz was leaving town, Nichols (PC — Chatham-Kent-Essex) said during Question Period. He said the announced closure of the obstetrics unit will result in the “firing” of 40 staff, including registered nurses.
“This places Leamington’s economic recovery in jeopardy, but more importantly, it puts the health of local residents in jeopardy,” Nicholls said, charging that women in labour will be forced to drive to Windsor Regional Hospital’s obstetrics department.
“With millions of dollars spent on middle management in health care, why is there no room for Leamington’s vital clinic?” he asked.
Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins responded that he understands half of the Leamington women giving birth already go to Windsor to deliver and that the plan that’s being recommended by the LDMH board involves a realignment of services intended to better meet the needs of the community. The plan, which proposes adding more beds to other departments such as complex continuing care and medical-surgical, is going to the Erie St. Clair LHIN for a final decision. The LHIN is holding a public meeting on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Roma Club of Leamington.
Speaking outside the legislature, Hoskins told reporters the public still has the opportunity to influence the LHIN decision.
“It’s really important that the Local Health Integration Network hear from the local community,” the minister said. “They’ve set aside a significant amount of time to hear from the local community to get their views on that.”
The obstetrics department, which has been operating since 1956 and delivers 300 babies a year, is slated to close March 31.
More than 2,500 have signed petitions asking that obstetrics stay in Leamington. Municipal councils are coming on board with resolutions. And Leamington Mayor John Paterson has written a letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne, asking for her intervention.
“Hundreds of signatures have already been collected in support of the LDMH obstetrics clinic,” Nichols said in a news release. “It’s clear how important the clinic is to the community. We have to fight for it.”
bcross@windsorstar.com
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