Facing millions of dollars in debt, Georgian Bay General Hospital is looking to cuts costs, but residents say some of the services they want to cut are essential.
Dr. Emily Queenan was recruited from the United States to practice medicine in Penetanguishene. However, if proposed cuts at the hospital are approved she may have to move.
"It’s devastating for me because I feel like the hospital is driving me out. I came here to practice full spectrum medicine, and now I’m being driven out by saying my services are not wanted,” she says.
The hospital is $10 million in debt. In an effort to combat that debt, the hospital hired a consulting firm in August to do an operational review.
The review came up with 108 recommendations including cuts to save up to $5 million.
"Some of the recommendations say we should stop doing things, either because of volume or we are concerned about the service that we offer,” says Karen McGrath, president and CEO of GBGH.
Some of those reductions include cutting Intensive Care Unit beds and cutting down on the number of surgeries. However, one of the biggest concerns for residents is a plan to eliminate the obstetric unit.
Cuts to the obstetrics unit would mean expectant mothers would have to travel to Barrie or Orillia for delivery.
“The concern is the 40 minute drive to Orillia. Morbidity rates increase; doctors say they will go where the babies are, so we could lose a couple of doctors as well,” one mother says.
“Deliveries can happen precipitously, maternal morbidity has gone up, and essentially if we do proceed with cutting maternal care, the hospital is telling us we're ok with that," says Queenan
There are two more town hall meetings to discuss the proposed recommendations with residents.
After that, the hospital will meet to decide what changes will be implemented, and they expect to have everything set by May.
