After years of cuts, docs show Kingston General is chronically overcrowded

Ontario New Democratic Leader Andrea Horwath released new information Wednesday that shows chronic overcrowding and unfunded beds being operated at Kingston General Hospital, and called on Kathleen Wynne to undo the damage she has done to Ontario’s hospitals.

“When you or your loved ones are hurt, you should be able to get the help and care you need, when you need it most. But that’s not what’s happening. As all-too-many Kingston residents know firsthand, Kingston General Hospital has faced serious overcrowding for years,” said Horwath. “Kathleen Wynne has turned her back on patients and the workers that treat them and save them. Wynne government cuts have pushed Kingston General Hospital too far, and dangerous overcrowding and hallway medicine are now the new normal, in Kingston and across Ontario. We have to change that.”

Horwath released numbers acquired by her office through Freedom of Information requests that show Kingston General operating above safe capacity throughout 2017. Additionally, the hospital has been running up to 30 unfunded beds in its acute care and mental health wards. Horwath also discussed recently released numbers from Health Quality Ontario which highlighted long wait times in Kingston, including the longest wait times in the province for kidney stone removal and appointments with a specialist regarding hip replacement surgery.

“These aren’t just numbers. These are Ontarians left waiting in pain for surgery that is critical to their quality of life,” said Horwath. “Hallway medicine and long wait times are stripping Ontarians of their dignity. That is Kathleen Wynne’s health care legacy.”

The last Conservative government fired 6,000 nurses, closed 28 hospitals and slashed over 7,000 hospital beds. Wynne piled on damage with years of frozen hospital budgets and further cuts, including underfunding hospitals by at least $300 million this year alone.

Horwath said the NDP is committed to properly funding Ontario hospitals. “An NDP government will guarantee that hospital funding will always – at a minimum – keep up with inflation, population growth, and the unique health needs of our communities, each and every year.'

Horwath has called for a moratorium on layoffs of nurses and frontline care providers, and has also introduced a plan to create Ontario’s first universal pharmacare program. Providing drug coverage for everyone – regardless of age, income or health history – can improve health outcomes, and reduce demand on emergency services. 

“The time has come to do something about our underfunded health care system in Kingston, and across Ontario. And New Democrats are ready to lead the way,” said Horwath.