NDP stands up against Fort Erie Urgent Care overnight closure

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) was joined by NDP Health critic, France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), in Question Period today, calling for a commitment to restore overnight coverage to the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre.

Yesterday, Niagara Health announced that Fort Erie’s Urgent Care Centre, typically open 24 hours, would have significantly reduced hours on a permanent basis, only operating between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

“The Ford Conservatives’ actions continue to have serious impacts— just yesterday the people of my community learned they’d indefinitely be losing overnight urgent care,” said Gates. “That’s yet another community losing access to vital 24/7 local care because of the Conservatives’ health care staffing crisis. Ford needs to step in and provide the needed resources to keep the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre open 24/7, to keep the burden off our overworked and understaffed ERs.”

“We’re seeing situations like this unfold across the province,” said Gélinas. “Port Colborne's urgent centre also lost its overnight coverage yesterday. Minden's emergency room closed forever today. Ford’s actions have undermined our health care system at every turn. Now with Bill 60, he’s trying to ‘fix’ the situation with privatization, which will only make it worse. His actions are completely out of touch with what Ontarians want – and are downright dangerous.”

Local emergency departments in Niagara Falls, Welland, and St. Catharines will still be open to all who need it. However, Niagara Health is advising that patients should be prepared for long waits if the visit is not urgent.