Michael Hurley, president of CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions is seen on the left standing with CUPE researcher Doug Allan. Photo: Alyssa Brush. New research highlights growing deficits, rising costs and staffing pressures at Kingston hospitals. A recent report from the Canadian Union of Public Employees reveals that Ontario hospitals are nearing a breaking point due to ongoing underfunding and the rise of privatized health-care services. The report, Pushed over the brink: The escalating assault on Ontario’s hospitals, was presented Thursday in Kingston by Michael Hurley, president of CUPE’s Ontario Council of Hospital Unions, alongside CUPE researcher Doug Allan. This research underscores increasing hospital deficits, mounting costs, and heightened pressure on staff and patients throughout the province. Researcher Doug Allan shares more insights. According to CUPE, hospitals are also experiencing a drop in working capital, which is crucial for managing everyday expenses like payroll and medical supplies. The report features specific data about Kingston, including details on hospital deficits and bed occupancy rates. It also discusses the extra funding and personnel required to cut wait times, increase bed availability, and align Ontario’s per-capita hospital spending with other provinces. Michael Hurley elaborates on the funding boost that’s necessary. CUPE asserts that these findings indicate that Ontario’s hospital crisis is worsening significantly. Story by Alyssa Brush
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