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Liberal Health Minister
Smitherman Asked to Act
Hundreds Rally To Save Hospital
Beds
Despite a steady downpour, several
hundred West Durham citizens marched down Harwood Avenue
Saturday afternoon in an attempt to save mental health beds at the
Ajax-Pickering Hospital.
Gathering at Ajax's Heritage Square,
the community paraded to the Hospital. Motorists honked in
support. Gathering later at the Ajax Community Centre, the group
enjoyed refreshments and enthusiastically supported numerous
speakers .
The proposed
transfer of 20 mental health beds to Scarborough's Centenary
hospital was roundly denounced by speakers. Health Minister Smitherman
was implored to overrule the
Rouge Valley and Central East LHIN's very unpopular budget-slashing
move.
Patient representative Lynne Marie
Ramjass emphasized
the importance of local community services in the recovery process.
The consultation process, belatedly
ordered by the LHIN in face of public protests, ends tomorrow. It
was denounced by Friends co-chair Bill Parish as 'phony'. Ajax
Mayor Steve Parish pointed out that the hospital board was
attempting to 'educate' the public to accept their predetermined
decision rather than conducting a genuine listening exercise.
Speakers called for a severing
of the linkage between the Ajax-Pickering and Centenary hospitals.
Quoting Ajax Councillor Dies, the mayor stated that it is time
for a 'divorce'. The Ajax-Pickering Hospital had operated in the
black before amalgamation.
The Board's highly restrictive
governance procedures came for criticism. 'They don't represent the
community wishes', it was claimed. The LHIN is responsible to the
Minister of Health. The only persons who can be held responsible are the local
elected MPPS and the Provincial Government, it was said. There was a
call again for the local members Joe Dickson, Wayne Arthurs and
Christine Elliott to speak out more effectively that
has been the case to date. Conservative Party leaders and Howard
Hampton of the NDP were asked to raise the issue daily in the
Legislature.
Patty Rout, OPSEU Vice President,
outlined efforts to forestall the projected move by applying for a
court injunction. Government lawyers will have to argue against
Liberal promises to defend the move, she claimed. The injunction
hearing is scheduled for May 16th. See here
An Ontario Health Coalition
spokesperson pointed out that Boards and LHINs in some regions of
Ontario are speaking out for their communities. 'We are in bad shape
in Durham', it was said.
Representatives of the nurses' union also spoke.
'This fight is not over. It has just
begun' rally organizer, Wendy Holliday vowed.
updated May 4
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