Some local community groups are planning on voicing their concerns at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) meetings this week.
Chesley Hospital Community Action Committee Co-Chair Brenda Scott says their group, as well as the Save the Durham Hospital Committee will be at both the SBGHC meetings tonight and tomorrow.
“There is one today in Durham at 6 p.m. at the community centre and then there is one tomorrow in Chesley at the Chesley Community Centre at 6 p.m., and they are both basically about the same thing. They are looking at the future of our two hospitals, both of which have been very negatively impacted with recent decisions by the SBGHC,” says Scott.
This comes after the SBGHC moved 10 in-patient beds from the Durham Hospital in June to other facilities in Walkerton and Kincardine, as well as the number of emergency department closures at the Chesley Hospital.
“In 2023, for that year in fact, Chesley had the most ER closures in the province. We are kind of a record holder, we didn’t really want to be,” says Scott. “Our request and what we are insisting on is a return to full time ER in Chesley. So far the SBGHC has not provided that and this meeting is an opportunity to have a discussion with them about that.”
She says the meeting with allow for a 30-minute question period, where they plan voice their concerns and are encouraging people to attend. Scott feels, however, this is not nearly enough time for people to address the SBGHC.
“Thirty minutes is not enough to discuss all of the issues that are facing both of these hospitals,” says Scott.
She adds they would like to see both hospitals return to full capacity, but expects there may be opposition to their position.
“The message to the SBGHC would be that we are not going away and if we are not able to reach an agreement here, then we will be coming back with further actions and questions,” says Scott.
People who would like to register for the event ahead of time can email communications@sbghc.on.ca or call 519-370-2400. Registration will also be available at the door and the meeting will not be live-streamed.
