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Thessalon residents fight to save hospital amid ongoing closures
Posted: May 3, 2025
(May 2, 2025) By: Lisa Rene-de-Croet, Elliot Lake Today
Local resident Mary-Jane Thompson is going to Queens Park on May 14, to try to save the Thessalon hospital. ‘We must advocate for change now’
Recent months have seen the Thessalon Hospital close its doors intermittently, prompting fears among residents that their access to essential healthcare services is slipping away.
Mary-Jane Thompson, a passionate member of the Thessalon community, is gearing up for an important advocacy mission as she heads to Queen’s Park on May 14.
Joined by the Ontario Health Coalition, Thompson is set to discuss urgent healthcare access challenges in Northern Ontario with Health Minister Kamal Khera.
Thompson has been gathering personal accounts from local residents and intends to deliver a comprehensive letter detailing the severe healthcare crisis affecting Thessalon.
At the heart of her message is the pressing need for at least three full-time doctors, stable nursing roles, and improved inpatient facilities at Thessalon Hospital.
“What we’re experiencing is simply unsustainable,” Thompson emphasized, highlighting the negative effects that insufficient healthcare is having on the community.
The ongoing struggles at Thessalon Hospital reflect the wider issues facing rural healthcare in Ontario, where residents often contend with limited access to essential medical services.
Many in the community fear the hospital will permanently close and are anxious about how they will receive necessary healthcare if changes aren’t made.
For many, the situation is not just an inconvenience but a matter of life and death. The hospital serves as a critical lifeline for the town and surrounding areas, offering emergency services and medical care that residents rely on for their health and well-being.
Mayor Jordan Bird has taken a proactive stance in advocating for the hospital, engaging in lobbying efforts with local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Bill Rosenberg and the Ontario Ministry of Health to address the crisis.
“As Mayor and Council, we have been actively advocating on behalf of the community by engaging in lobbying efforts with our MPP and the Ontario Ministry of Health,” stated Mayor Bird.
“This advocacy has involved direct delegations with the relevant ministers to ensure that our concerns are addressed at the highest levels.”
Despite the Mayor’s vigorous campaigning, he clarified that the province’s Strong Mayor Powers do not extend to healthcare funding decisions, which remain solely under provincial jurisdiction.
“Decisions concerning hospital operational funding are made at the provincial level. The key decision-makers include the Minister of Health, the local MPP, and the Ontario Health regional office,” Mayor Bird explained.
Frustrations resonate with many in the community. According to local residents, the ongoing closures have created an environment of uncertainty and anxiety.
Thompson’s advocacy is part of a larger movement among rural residents who are demanding sustainable solutions to their healthcare challenges.
As conversations progress, the community remains optimistic that their concerns will resonate with provincial leaders and lead to the vital changes needed to secure the future of their hospital.
“We really feel abandoned. Whenever the hospital shuts down, we can’t help but worry about what might happen in case of a medical emergency,” shared Thompson
Bill Rosenberg, the local MPP representing the Progressive Conservative party, acknowledged the challenges facing the community and expressed his commitment to improving healthcare access in the region.
“Having been on council for the last 11 years, we have consistently advocated for increased support for our doctors, nurses, patients, and hospitals, striving for an overall improvement in healthcare services,” he said.
“The recent closures have posed significant challenges for residents of Thessalon, St. Joseph Island, and the entire North Shore Health Network.”
Rosenberg also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis, noting that the issues extend beyond financial constraints to include a critical shortage of medical personnel.
“We need more doctors and nurses to ensure that our healthcare system can meet the needs of our communities,” he asserted.
In response to the crisis, the Ontario Ministry of Health has announced funding initiatives aimed at bolstering healthcare services in rural and northern communities.
CEO Kimberly Moran of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) highlighted the significance of these efforts, stating, “This significant funding will ensure physician care is accessible for Ontarians in northern and rural communities, particularly for those requiring emergency services across the province.”
While local officials and healthcare leaders are optimistic about the potential impact of this funding, many residents remain skeptical.
As discussions continue, residents are left to ponder the fate of their local hospital. The threat of permanent closure looms large, with many questioning how they will access vital healthcare services if the situation does not improve. Community members are hopeful that ongoing advocacy will lead to tangible improvements.
Thessalon Hospital is a member of the North Shore Health Network, which is supported by funding from the provincial government. This network also encompasses Richards Landing-Matthews and Blind River.
“We need our hospital,” emphasized Thompson. “We must advocate for change now.”
Elliot Lake Today reached out to Tim Vine, president and CEO of the North Shore Health Network, but unfortunately, he was unavailable for comment.
If you would like to have your story shared with the Minister of Health, contact: Mjthompson.thessalon@gmail.com or call 705-257-6529.
