NDP leader enters Matthews Memorial Hospital fray

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO NDP LEADER ANDREA HORWATH

************************* Keep Matthews Memorial Hospital open: Horwath

SAULT STE. MARIE - NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called on the McGuinty Liberals to protect local health services and keep Matthews Memorial Hospital on St. Joseph Island opened.

“Matthews Memorial Hospital deserves a real plan of support that recognizes the unique challenges and needs of the community it serves. The McGuinty Liberals cannot simply hide behind the Local Health Integration Networks. Ontarians deserve a health-care system featuring local decision-making that is transparent and accountable,” said Horwath.

Horwath was in Sault Ste. Marie Tuesday touring the hospital with MP Tony Martin, St. Joseph Township Mayor Jody Wildman and Matthews Memorial Hospital Association (MMHA) administrator Wayne Van Sickle.

“People have relied heavily upon the Matthews Memorial Hospital on St. Joseph Island for years. Forcing people to drive 75 kilometres to the Sault Hospital that is already operating beyond its normal capacity will not help a community already struggling to meet their health care needs,” said Horwath.

New Democrats have called for adequate staffing in hospitals, public health units and long-term care facilities.

The McGuinty government’s failure to live up to its promises and properly staff the health-care system has placed Ontarians at increased risk.

“Northern hospitals are facing closure and some of the services they provide are either being cut back or eliminated altogether. This community at St.Joseph’s island is under siege and the McGuinty Liberals are standing on the sidelines letting it happen.”

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