Minden residents to call for increased healthcare funding at Queen's Park this week
Nearly one year after its emergency department was closed, residents from Minden Hills, Ont. will be at Queen's Park this week to call for increased healthcare funding.
A press release from the Reopen the Minden ER group states that it would "once again" be taking its fight to Queen's Park on Monday to participate in public hearings over Ontario's Budget.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"The 2024 Budget, 'Building a Better Ontario,' offers a 4% increase in overall healthcare spending. However, the current budget fails to address the specific challenges faced by rural communities like ours," it stated. "The permanent closure of the Minden ER has had a detrimental impact on our community. Minden has lost 11 highly skilled emergency room doctors who were dedicated to serving our town. This loss has placed an even greater strain on emergency healthcare services in our area, exacerbating the challenges faced by our residents."
Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) announced the emergency department closure last April, citing "serious staffing shortages" and the inability to retain healthcare workers.
The hospital's emergency services were then officially consolidated into Haliburton's hospital on June 1, a nearly 30-minute drive from Minden.
"The Minden community continues to suffer, and urgent action is required to stabilize our region and reopen the Minden ER," stated the group. "We call upon the Ontario government to prioritize the healthcare needs of rural communities and ensure equitable access to quality medical services and transportation options."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.