March 19th, 2024

Burch demands support as Niagara EMS warn of ambulance wait times

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Jeff Burch (Niagara Centre) called for immediate support after Niagara EMS workers from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 911 warned of ambulance delays due to staffing shortages.

“Niagara EMS workers from CUPE 911 are raising an alarm loud and clear that ambulance wait times and code zeroes are happening far too often – and we will continue to see them happen if nothing changes,” said Burch. “In Niagara region, we’re seeing far too few ambulances available because of offload delays and staffing shortages. It’s downright dangerous.”

Ambulance offload delays have become all too common in Doug Ford’s Ontario and happen when EMS providers are forced to wait with a patient to receive care due to staffing shortages at the hospital.

“The Health Minister has no answers for Niagara EMS workers who are working every day to help our community,” said Burch. “I will continue to advocate for increased support and health care staffing to make sure no one in our community has to wait for an ambulance if they need care.”