(July 5, 2023)<\/p>\n
By: Bonnie Heslop, Newstalk610<\/p>\n
Two protest rallies are planned in south Niagara today as Niagara Health closes its urgent care centres in Port Colborne and Fort Erie during the overnight hours.<\/p>\n
As of today, Urgent Care Centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.<\/p>\n
The Niagara Health Coalition says it is calling for the restoration of 24\/7 hours at the facilities, saying residents of South Niagara face serious health risks because of Niagara Health’s decisions to reduce hours .<\/p>\n
The first rally will be held this morning at 10 a.m. in front of Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie.<\/p>\n
Speakers include Mayor Wayne Redekop, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates, Jennifer Dockstader from the Fort Erie Native Centre, and Natalie Mehra with the Ontario Health Coalition.<\/p>\n
A second rally is planned for 12:30 p.m. outside the Port Colborne General Hospital.<\/p>\n
Niagara Health says the changes are due to staffing shortages and will allow them to avoid any closures at the emergency departments in Welland, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.<\/p>\n
Officials are reminding the public that if you have an emergency you should go straight to those hospitals or call 9-1-1.<\/p>\n