Healthcare union leaders gathered in Belleville on Thursday to sound the alarm on a local hospital funding crisis, revealing that Belleville hospitals are sitting at a negative $20.5-million working capital deficit.
Speaking at Belleville Public Library, Canadian Union of Public Employees representatives warned that BGH bed occupancy has hit 92 per cent, above the “safe” 80 per cent threshold.
The union reported that chronic provincial underfunding and privatization are driving up wait times and threatening local jobs.
To fix the shortfall, CUPE estimates Belleville needs $96 million in funding to cut wait times and add crucial hospital beds.
The report also highlights a severe staffing gap, claiming Belleville General requires 296 more full-time healthcare workers just to match average capacity in other provinces.
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The full breakdown of CUPE OCHU President Michael Hurley can be found by CLICKING HERE.
