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Thibeault 'disappointed' with HSN job cut threats

Sudbury MPP says he's working behind the scenes and 'solutions are coming forward'
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Glenn Thibeault, Sudbury MPP and Ontario's Minister of Energy, issued a statement Tuesday expressing his “disappointment” with Health Sciences North's public statements on proposed job cuts. (File)

Glenn Thibeault, Sudbury MPP and Ontario's Minister of Energy, issued a statement Tuesday expressing his “disappointment” with Health Sciences North's public statements on proposed job cuts.

HSN’s board recently passed a $505 million budget with a $4.9-million deficit, trimming 113 jobs from the payroll, reducing $6.9 million in program expenses outside clinical departments and cutting HSN’s capital budget for renovations, equipment and information technology by 23 per cent.

HSN president and CEO Dominic Giroux had warned earlier that the deficit for 2018-2019 could be as high as $10 million if measures were not taken to contain it.

In his statement, Thibeault said he's received numerous calls from residents worried about what will happen to the hospital.

“I am extremely disappointed that HSN has decided to move ahead with an announcement stating its desire to cut jobs and services in our community,” Thibeault said. “I can assure you that I will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the North East LHIN to save these jobs at HSN and to maintain current hospital service levels.

“It has always been my intention to try get HSN the help it needs, and to protect all of these good jobs at the hospital.”

Thibeault said he has asked HSN to provide a specific amount of support they will need to avoid any layoffs and service cuts at the hospital, and that the deputy minister of health has personally reached out to HSN leadership to move this forward.

“Last Monday, I met with Health Minister (Helena) Jaczek to discuss HSN and strategies to find a solution to the current budget shortfall,” Thibeault said. “The Ministry of Health acknowledged that there will be solutions coming forward. The ministry then worked with the North East LHIN to ask HSN to not proceed with the planned budget.

“The current HSN budget has not been approved by the North East LHIN. There is no reason to create a fearful working environment until all avenues to meet the shortfall had been explored.”

“Through this entire process we have been working towards finding a solution that will resolve HSN’s budget issue, and ensure that we keep the professional staff we need to deliver quality services in Sudbury,” Thibeault's statement continued.

“I’m going to keep advocating within the Ministry of Health to ensure that we keep these jobs in the community, meet the needs of HSN and ensure we continue to see the excellent quality of care we come to expect at our community hospital.


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