For immediate release
February 23, 2007

Opposition MPPs Outraged Over Ministry Demands
For Cuts in Patient Services at Lakeridge Health

DURHAM REGION – Three Durham Region MPPs said today they are outraged over news that Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care expects Lakeridge Health to save money by reducing services to patients.

MPPs Christine Elliott (Whitby-Ajax), Jerry Ouellette (Oshawa) and John O’Toole (Durham) said the cuts come at a time when Durham Region is getting $279 less per person in funding than the provincial average. The cutbacks also come at a time when Lakeridge staff, management and board members have done their utmost to improve efficiency.  Lakeridge is already ranked among the top 25 per cent of the best performing hospitals in Ontario, according to an expert report.

“It is unconscionable for the provincial government to starve our hospitals for funding and then demand cuts in patient services,” said John O’Toole, MPP for Durham. 

 “This will have a devastating impact on Durham,” warned Christine Elliott, MPP for Whitby-Ajax. “The region served by Lakeridge Health is one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario.”

“The chronic under-funding of local hospitals will make it difficult to retain and to recruit physicians and other healthcare professionals,” said Jerry Ouellette, MPP for Oshawa.

The Lakeridge Health Hospital Board has been struggling with a deficit budget.  The current operating deficit is $15 million.  The Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is offering $7 million in increased annual operating funding, plus $1 million in one-time funding.  This leaves an operation funding shortfall of $7 million.

MPP John O’Toole added that Lakeridge Health is being asked to cut an additional $8 million in 2007/08 from its annualized operating expenses.  “In my experience, this is the first time the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has specifically directed cutbacks in patient services.”

Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette said the cutbacks will affect some of the most vulnerable patients. “Areas singled out for cutbacks include children’s mental health and treatment for addictions.”

The Durham MPPs note that the hospital staff and the Board of Directors will continue to ensure the hospitals are operating efficiently.  “We must continue to lobby Queen’s Park now for a ‘fair share’ of funding for the Durham Region hospitals. We all need to pull together to make this work,” said MPPs Elliott, O’Toole, and Ouellette.

For more information, contact:

Christine Elliott, MPP Whitby - Ajax
905-430-1141

Jerry Ouellette, MPP Oshawa
905-723-2411

John O’Toole, MPP Durham
905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433