January 14th, 2022

MPP Shaw statement on the closure of the West End Urgent Care Clinic

HAMILTON – MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas) released the following statement on the news that Hamilton Health Science West End Urgent Care Clinic is closing due to staffing shortages:

“This news is deeply concerning and families in my riding are worried about timely access to care if they get hurt or sick. Health care workers have been run off their feet for nearly two years, as they have carried us all through wave after wave of COVID-19. It’s clear our health system is in crisis, we need urgent action from the Ford government to make sure Hamiltonians can stay healthy and safe.

There is much more the government can be doing, and I’m urging them once again to take action. We are calling for a health care worker hiring blitz — which requires ending the wage cap on nurses pay and providing danger pay — giving workers N95 masks, providing free mental health supports for all health care workers, and bringing in more staffing help where needed, including asking the federal government for military personnel. Free and readily available rapid tests and paid sick days would also help stop the spread take some strain off the health care system.

I have reached out Minister of Health Christine Elliott to urge her to make these improvements to protect and care for Hamilton families. Elliott and Premier Doug Ford must act to shore up our health care staffing, before more urgent care centers close and families are forced to go without the urgent health care they need.”