Ontario Nurses' Association responds to staffing cut concerns at Algoma Public Health

ONA concerned about cuts at Algoma Public Health Algoma Public Health is facing a $1.5 million budget shortfall.

The Ontario Nurses' Association says it is alarmed about "potential looming cuts to frontline staffing, which may include nurses and health-care professionals, at Algoma Public Health."

The comments follow news that APH's Board of Health plans on recommending a workplace reduction as it faces a projected budget shortfall of $1.5 million next year.

"The prospect of up to 15 health unit positions -- possibly including the nurses that ONA represents – being eliminated should send a chill down the spine of every resident of the District of Algoma,” said Erin Ariss, a registered nurse and ONA provincial president.

APH has not specified which workers will be cut.

The health unit recently cut its smoking cessation services and removed nurses from its sexual health information line.

There are fewer public flu vaccine clinics being held, no more in-person prenatal services, and several programs for new parents and their babies have already been cut.

ONA is calling on the Board of Health for the District of Algoma to "protect the delivery of invaluable services in their communities."

"Staffing must not be cut- that would do nothing but put communities at risk,” Ariss said.

“If cuts are needed, it’s past time to reduce the large number of new management positions rather than reduce frontline worker levels."