A Niagara politician is calling for the Ford government to follow through on a promise for a nurse practitioner in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates says Niagara-on-the-Lake residents are facing a challenge accessing front-line health care services, saying more than one in every three residents – many of whom are seniors – don’t have a family doctor.
He says returning a nurse practitioner in the Town would help fill the gap.
Gates says the Town has contacted the Minister of Health, who confirmed they would get the needed nurse practitioner, however the Town has not heard back.
Gates, and the Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Gary Zalepa, sent a joint letter on the issue last summer.
“Niagara-on-the-Lake isn’t the only community suffering due to this government’s mishandling of health care,” said Gates. “In Fort Erie, the community is dealing with a reduction in hours at Douglas Memorial Urgent Care Centre. Residents who show up late at night needing help are being turned away.”
Douglas Memorial was recently closed overnight by Niagara Health from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., who cited staffing issues as the reason for the reduction in services.
Gates, alongside the Town of Fort Erie, have been vocal in opposing the change.
“We know this government’s actions – Bill 124, Bill 60, and underfunding public health care by billions have worsened the staffing crisis in our hospitals,” said Gates. “When will this government address the staffing crisis, stop fighting nurses in court, and ensure Fort Erie gets the 24/7/365 services they deserve?”