MPP Singh demands Ford act now to get Brampton hospital out of gridlock

QUEEN’S PARK – Doug Ford must stop trying to cheap out and start helping Brampton Civic Hospital keep capacity down and stay out of gridlock to keep patients and front-line staff safe during the second wave of COVID-19, said NDP Deputy Leader Sara Singh (Brampton Centre) during question period Tuesday.

“Hospitals in Ontario are already struggling to keep capacity down, and the second wave is still growing,” said Singh, “In my community, Brampton Civic Hospital was near capacity throughout September with an occupancy rate of 93 per cent, and it was in Code Gridlock eight times in just 12 days. This is completely unacceptable, and puts patients and front-line workers at risk.

“What is the government prepared to commit to today to ensure Brampton Civic stays out of gridlock in the second wave?”

Code Gridlock means that there are more patients waiting in the ER for the types of beds that they need than are available at the hospital. Between Sept. 14 and Sept. 27, Brampton Civic Hospital experienced Code Gridlock eight times, according to information obtained by the Ontario NDP.

The Ontario Hospital Association is calling for the government to increase public health restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19, and keep hospital capacity at safe levels.

“Ontario’s hospitals have been a cornerstone in keeping our communities safe and providing life saving care throughout the pandemic,” said Singh, “But with the second wave of COVID-19 growing by the day, they need the Ford government to stop trying to save money and start investing in hospitals.

“Doug Ford must listen to the best medical advice from our hospitals and do what is needed to keep Ontarians safe.”