LENNOX: Hamilton needs health care workers, not just announcements

HAMILTON — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Primary Care Dr. Robin Lennox (Hamilton Centre) says that Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones need to offer Hamilton more than just press conferences, and connect people to primary care by hiring more nurses and health care workers:

"As a physician who trained and has provided care in Hamilton General Hospital's emergency department, I am pleased to see this investment," said Dr. Lennox. "However, the crisis within our hospitals is difficult to see from a podium. If the Minister took the time to walk around the in-patient wards, she would see patients on stretchers in every hallway, and burnt-out nurses holding the system together.

"The Minister's announcement today confirmed that the Ford government's funding for Hamilton General Hospital falls far short of the amount needed.

"The Ontario NDP has a plan to fix our health care system; one informed by those on the front lines, and it starts with them. The Ford government needs to address this crisis by hiring more nurses and health care workers, and by clearing pathways for internationally-trained medical graduates to give people the care they need."