“Cuts and privatization are not the way to quality mental health care” was the main messaging of demonstrators at a rally held on March 20, 2010 at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, in Whitby.
Ontario Shores is one of eleven hospitals to recently get additional funding added to its operational funding. According to the Globe and Mail, Ontario Shores received $7.4 million in new funding from the province this winter, which will be permanently added to its baseline budget.
“This recent infusion of cash begs the question: ‘Where is the money going?’, ” says Patty Rout, OPSEU 1st Vice-President/Treasurer.
Ontario Shores gave notice to the union that it was eliminating 55 positions in February. This is in addition to the closure of Beacon House and Challenging Directions Enterprises.
Beacon House, a residential treatment program serving individuals with complex personality problems, is one of two community based facilities permanently closed. Staff at this Oshawa facility had their temporary layoff made permanent recently.
Challenging Directions Enterprises, a Whitby-based outpatient workshop that provided work experience to 75-80 clients daily, has also closed their doors.
“The closures of these community programs goes against the governments recent efforts to improve the accessibility of mental health care in the community as cited in the recent Caplan report ‘Every Door is the Right Door’,” says Patty Rout, OPSEU 1st Vice-President/Treasurer.
Numerous health professionals that deliver care will also be cut, including an occupational therapist, vocational instructors, registered nurses, registered practical nurses, therapeutic recreationists and a psychometrist.
Laundry services are also being privatized, affecting 15 jobs at the centre.
The hospital plans on replacing 14 personal care aides on the forensic unit with fewer registered staff.
Four motor vehicle operators will have their hours reduced or eliminated and the hospital with no further patient transport services. It is not clear how the patients will get to their medical appointments or court appearances in the community.
Cuts to important services and the increasing level of privatization at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences sends an alarming message that the future of quality health care in Ontario is in serous jeopardy.