West Grey ‘denied’ judicial review of hospital cuts by Ontario court

West Grey council says they accept a decision by Ontario’s Superior Court to deny their request for a judicial review of cuts to the Durham hospital.

West Grey council says while they don’t agree with it, they accept a decision by Ontario’s Superior Court to deny their request for a judicial review of cuts to the Durham hospital.

Last year, the emergency room hours at the Durham Hospital were reduced, and all 10 inpatient beds at the rural hospital were moved elsewhere by the South Bruce Grey Health Centre.

Nursing shortages were to blame, said hospital administration.

Upset over the decision, West Grey council instituted a “state of emergency” in the community due to the cuts, and requested the courts to weigh in on the controversial healthcare cuts.

This week, the Ontario Superior Court called the hospital board’s decision “a private operational matter,” and not something the courts should weigh in on.

In a news release, West Grey says the municipality, “accepts the Court’s decision; however, it does not concede the validity or importance of the claim.”

“As we move forward, the Municipality remains committed to working with healthcare partners, provincial representatives and community stakeholders to advocate for sustainable, inclusive healthcare solutions that reflect the needs of all residents,” said Mayor Kevin Eccles.