Niagara Health has announced temporary closures and reduced hours at urgent care centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne this summer due to a critical shortage of doctors, forcing the facilities to shut on some weekend days and holidays. The health-care provider says the changes are necessary to ensure full 24/7 staffing at major emergency departments in Niagara Falls, Welland and St. Catharines, and that physician staffing gaps remain severe despite recruitment efforts. The Pointer
The service changes have drawn strong criticism from local leaders who say residents will face longer travel times and reduced access to care. Councillor Tom Lewis called the decision a “health care emergency and a threat to our health care” and has pushed for Niagara Health leadership changes in response.
To read the CBC article click here