Ontario hospitals cut more than 215 RN positions

More than 215 registered nurse positions have been cut at Ontario hospitals over a two-month period, according to the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), which is warning that the reductions could affect patient care and safety.

ONA says RN positions have been eliminated or replaced at hospitals across the province, including in clinical areas where patients can deteriorate quickly and require advanced assessment and intervention.

The association identified numerous organizations where reductions have been announced, including North York General Hospital, Halton Healthcare, London Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Lakeridge Health, Niagara Health and several others.

ONA argues that registered nurses bring specific education and clinical expertise that is particularly important when a patient’s condition changes unexpectedly.

The union says some of the changes involve RN positions in areas such as operating rooms, dialysis and postpartum care being replaced by other health professionals.

ONA Provincial President Erin Ariss said the reductions should not be viewed simply as changes in staffing mix, arguing that RNs play an important role in identifying warning signs and responding when patients become unstable.

The union is calling for a moratorium on further RN position cuts.

The issue comes as hospitals across Ontario continue to balance staffing pressures, increasing demand for services and financial constraints.

ONA represents approximately 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates.

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