The MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin is pushing the Wynne Liberals to commit to end the cuts to the Matthews Memorial Hospital. New Democrat Michael Mantha says his office has been overwhelmed with calls from people who are worried about the possibility of reducing 24 hour emergency care to 12 hours on St. Joseph Island.
He says funding for hospitals in northern Ontario is inadequate, and to make matters worse, small hospitals don’t have funding to provide care. He says that includes Blind River, Thessalon, and Matthews Memorial hospitals. Mantha says northern patients are taking a back seat when it comes to healthcare.
Health Minister Eric Hoskins says the province is supporting hospitals in the north, and they have a dedicated $20 million fund for rural hospitals. He says the province is making sure they are investing in hospitals across northern Ontario.
