Horwath, Jeffrey meet to discuss crisis in Brampton hospitals

Today, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey met to discuss the Mayor’s priorities for Brampton and Peel Region – including potential solutions for the crisis in overcrowding and hallway gridlock at Brampton Civic Hospital. 

“I’d like to thank Mayor Jeffrey for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss her priorities for Brampton,” said Horwath. “Overcrowding and gridlock in the hallways has become the standard at Brampton Civic Hospital. This is a major concern for Brampton families, and finding a solution is a top priority for Mayor Jeffrey.

“Brampton’s only other hospital, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness, has an Urgent Care Centre that only operates to 10 pm. This needs to change. I’ve committed my support to the Mayor for more ER capacity, and I share her view that Peel Memorial must be part of the solution.”

Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness has replaced the demolished Peel Memorial hospital – but, unlike the former hospital, the new Urgent Care Centre doesn’t have overnight beds. Meanwhile, Brampton Civic Hospital is overcapacity and something needs to be done now to address the high volumes. 

Horwath also re-affirmed the NDP’s commitment to fund Ontario’s hospitals at minimum to the rate of inflation, population growth and to meet the unique needs of high growth communities like Brampton. 

“Keeping up with the rate of population growth is desperately needed for Brampton,” said Horwath.  “This is a fast-growing city and hospitals in the region are already operating well over capacity. What’s needed is a plan, and the ongoing operations funding to hire the staff, operate the beds and to guarantee the kind of care all Ontario people deserve.” 

Other topics covered by Horwath and Jeffrey included the Ryerson University campus slated to open in Brampton. If elected an NDP government is fully committed to supporting a university campus in Brampton.