OPSEU is calling upon the health minister to place a moratorium on jobs cuts at the Brockville Mental Health Centre until the future of the facility has been determined.
MPP Bob Runciman made headlines in the Brockville area this week after bringing a series of new proposals to Health Minister Deborah Matthews January 13th.
The proposals include a secure treatment unit for female offenders, new forensic beds, and an alternate level of care facility for patients discharged from psychiatric hospital beds but who are unsuitable for nursing homes.
Matthews is now studying the proposal. George Weber, CEO of the Royal Ottawa Group, which operates the Brockville site, said several of the proposals had merit, but insisted the phase out of transitional beds continue.
These beds are scheduled to be closed by March, 2011.
In his letter to Matthews, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas reminded the health minster the government was trying to stimulate jobs, not eliminate them.
“At a time when the province is incurring considerable debt to stimulate the economy and create jobs, it makes little sense to issue these layoffs when the possibility remains that replacement jobs may be created to take advantage of the experience of these professional and support staff,” he wrote.
OPSEU insists that to layoff these workers this year only to recruit them back next year may be a costly mistake.
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre initially argued the changes are part of the recommendations made by the Health Restructuring Commission in the 1990’s. However, the hospital is ignoring the fact that the enabling conditions set out by that Commission have not been fulfilled in the community.
“It seems there is a lot of good will out there to preserve these jobs in Brockville,” said Local 439 President Dave McDougall. “We just need the time and space to bring this all together.”
OPSEU believes the Runciman recommendations are a good start, but all parties need to get together to outline a viable plan for the future of the facility.
A media conference is planned for next week in Brockville.
OPSEU Diablogue 