Tag Archives: Dave Lundy

Video: The incredible shrinking Kingston hospital

Following Monday’s demonstration outside the former Kingston psychiatric hospital, Providence Care is now telling staff that the job cuts and bed closures are not about funding. Really? Even though the hospital is running at capacity, even though it is next to impossible to get a loved one admitted to a bed, even though long-term projections suggest greater need for mental health services in Kingston, even though the situation has become volatile with overcrowding and understaffing, the hospital expects us to believe that this is all part of the plan.

Sigh. If this is the plan, Providence Care desperately needs a new one.

On Monday we shot video of the demonstration outside the centre (below). If you live in Kingston, please share our video with others. The campaign to reverse the cuts continues. It’s time the LHIN involves the community in a plan that actually makes sense. Stay tuned for more events.

Braving the bitter cold for mental health

About 80 mental health workers and their supporters braved the bitter cold February 1 to raise concerns about the impact of cuts on Providence Care Mental Health Centre in Kingston.

While both Federal and Provincial governments have made promises about addressing Canada’s inadequate mental health care, the reality on the ground is that more beds are being cut and too few services are being established in the community.

When Providence Care Mental Health Care gets merged with St. Mary’s Of The Lake, the new privatized hospital will have 72 fewer beds than presently exist, yet demand for mental health care is rising.

Kingston workers brave the cold February 1 to stand up for mental health care.

Kingston workers brave the cold February 1 to stand up for mental health care.

OPSEU Regional VP Dave Lundy is interviewed by CKWS TV.

OPSEU Regional VP Dave Lundy is interviewed by CKWS TV.

Workers say units are overcrowded and too few resources are available.

Workers say units are overcrowded and too few resources are available.