A London hospital is making significant changes to its mental health programs by reducing over 100 registered nurse positions due to financial challenges. St. Joseph’s Health Care London announced the removal of 83 full-time and 31 part-time RN roles while creating new positions for various healthcare professionals to realign care delivery.
Through a model of care review, the hospital is updating its mental health services at Parkwood Institute to better match patients’ needs while optimizing resources and team expertise. Despite the cuts, the hospital emphasizes that patient care quality will not be compromised.
Facing a deficit for the first time last year, with ongoing financial challenges, the hospital aims to achieve a balanced budget within three years. Health Minister Sylvia Jones has instructed hospitals in deficit to develop plans to address financial issues, urging immediate action on low-risk measures.
The Ontario Nurses’ Association criticized the job cuts, expressing concern over patient safety and the impact on nurses and communities. However, the hospital assures that access to care and services will not be affected. Similar cost-saving measures have been seen in other hospitals across the province, including workforce reductions through attrition and vacancy management.
