Jul 11, 2022
By Christine Ross
Leaders in small Ontario communities say immediate action is needed to address a critical health care staffing shortage that’s prompted the temporary closures of several emergency rooms.
Perth’s ER has been closed since July 2 as it deals with a COVID outbreak among staff.
The Eastern Ontario hospital says it will remain closed until further notice and patients are being directed to a hospital 20 kilometres away.
Perth’s mayor likened the health-care system to a “slowly unravelling” quilt and called on the province to take action.
Six other Ontario hospitals have also temporary ER closures.
The province says it’s working to bolster workforce capacity, including with retention bonuses and funds to recruit nurses to target areas across the province.
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