LONDON, ONT. — St. Joseph’s Health Care London plans to remove 114 registered-nurse positions in mental-health services while adding nearly as many positions in other disciplines, according to an October 16 Canadian Press report.

The hospital’s figures are 83 full-time and 31 part-time RN roles. Vacancies and transfers mean it expects 60 full-time and 25 part-time jobs to be directly affected. Those numbers are not a confirmed tally of people laid off.

The hospital describes a revised care model spanning inpatient, regional outpatient and outreach services at Parkwood Institute. It says the change is not a reduction in care. Ontario’s health ministry likewise says access will be maintained.

Union challenges the change

Ontario Nurses’ Association president Erin Ariss argues that removing RN expertise threatens patient safety. The union’s own October 16 statement describes more than 120 RN cuts, a higher count than the hospital’s 114-position breakdown reported by CP; the accounts are not reconciled.

The hospital reported a $4.7-million deficit last year and says it is pursuing balance within three years. The plan does not establish that patient harm has occurred or that all affected employees will leave.

Sources: Allison Jones, The Canadian Press via CHCH, October 16 at 6:47 p.m. Eastern; ONA’s October 16 statement.

Archival lead image: St. Joseph’s Hospital on Grosvenor Street, London, catalogued September 3, 1964, by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada Archives. Via Wikimedia Commons/Flickr Commons, no known copyright restrictions. This historical view is not Parkwood Institute or a photograph of the current staffing changes.