{"id":32339,"date":"2026-10-21T11:36:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T15:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca\/?p=32339"},"modified":"2026-10-23T11:37:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T15:37:58","slug":"keep-pressuring-for-hospital-funding-coalition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca\/index.php\/keep-pressuring-for-hospital-funding-coalition\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Pressuring for Hospital Funding: Coalition"},"content":{"rendered":"
(October 20, 2026) By: Geoff Waterfield, 101.1 More FM<\/p>\n
Health Coalition says Niagara and Hamilton hospitals still need more<\/em><\/p>\n
The Ontario Health Coalition is encouraging people in Niagara and Hamilton to keep pushing the government for more hospital funding.<\/p>\n
Executive Director Natalie Mehra tells us wait times in Niagara and Hamilton still too long, yet cuts and closures continue.<\/p>\n
She recalls 98 jobs losses at Niagara Health almost a year ago. “I realize people in Niagara have been fighting to save their hospitals for years, I know that, but we can’t give up. The government has to feel the pressure, and when they do, the government does change policy.”<\/p>\n
She adds hospitals are forced into deficits due to funding shortfalls, and questions government claims that 600 job cuts won’t have impact.<\/p>\n
She adds hospitals should be running at 85% capacity, with room for outbreak surges. “In Niagara, the hospitals are running way higher than that, over 100% capacity, but in different parts of the hospitals, often, are close to 100% capacity, meaning most hospitals beds are full.”<\/p>\n
She says wait times in the ER and for a bed are unacceptable.<\/p>\n