Ford ignoring tragedy by allowing layoff of 97 nurses at Southlake hospital

QUEEN’S PARK - Instead of improving health care at Southlake hospital in Newmarket, where baby Sophia was sent home only to die three days later, Doug Ford is making things worse by allowing the layoff of at least 97 registered nurses, said France Gélinas during question period Wednesday.

“Cutting nurses during a pandemic with flu season approaching is irresponsible and dangerous,” said Gélinas. “Premier Doug Ford needs to move now to prevent these layoffs and support our hospitals now.”

Gélinas reminded Doug Ford, and the legislature, that Southlake hospital in Newmarket was at the centre of the tragic death of baby Sophia.

“The premier has a critical role to play in making sure people’s trust in our health care system is not eroded. Should I remind the premier of baby Sophia who was sent home from that hospital only to die three days later?” said Gélinas.

“Now more than ever during this pandemic, the premier should ensure that our hospitals have the resources they need to deliver the care people need and to save lives.”

Gélinas said that during the COVID-19 crisis, when demand on our health care system continues to increase, and it’s all hands on deck for health care workers, Doug Ford cannot justify laying off 97 nurses from the front line.

“Will the premier do the right thing, protect Ontario families, and ensure these nurses will be there to care for us and don’t get laid off because of lack of provincial funding?”