Burch pushed for action on the Welland hospital, Gates wants increased MRI access
Some Niagara region MPPs making their case for health care at the Ontario legislature today.
Niagara Centre's Jeff Burch called for action in Welland, saying it's been over 1,000 days since the city lost after hours surgical service at the hospital.
He added they're still waiting for a plan to restore. "We have proposed a plan to rebuild the aging Welland hospital, as a full service hospital, including 24/7 emergency and after hours surgical services. Will the minister support a planning grant to Niagara Health so that we can begin work today."
The health minister's assistant said the government has increased health care spending from $60-billion when it formed government, to $85-billion now, including primary care, that is keeping patients out of emergency rooms.
Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates followed that up with pressure for less wait times for MRI services in Niagara, and province-wide.
He told the legislature people of all ages across Niagara are going to Mississauga for service, and some travel to the US and pay for it.
The health minister's assistant Anthony Leardi gave a similar response, noting the increase in spending. "Let me give you one fantastic example, in my area, the Greater Essex County area... we've added a new MRI machine at Erie Shores Health Care, which has now completed it's 1,000th test."
Gates added wait times province wide are 97 days, in Niagara it's 349 days.
NRP Warn of ATM Thefts
Local Business Not Too Worried About Tariffs
Doug Ford Stops in Niagara
Construction Fence By-Law Passed
Port Colborne Fire Department Grows
Hospital Union Addresses Over Crowding
Man Dead After Single Vehicle Crash
Sexual Assault Didn't Happen: Police