St. Joseph’s Parkwood Hospital is reducing the number of beds for veterans again.
Citing the decreasing number of World War II and Korean War veterans, officials say the demand for inpatient care is declining.
Staff, residents and their families all learned the news Tuesday that beds will be reduced to 30 by the end of March.
It’s the second phase of a transition plan that already saw the decrease in beds to 36 back in 2010.
The hospital’s president and CEO, Gillian Kernaghan called it a “poignant time” for all involved.
“The average age of our veterans is 90. We've contacted Veterans Affairs Canada...and we have no one on the waiting list. It’s clear those beds are no longer needed.”
Elaine Gibson, vice-president of complex, specialty aging and rehabilitative care at St. Joseph’s, said this news will impact staff.
“We have a transition plan in place to support them - some of whom will receive lay-off notices. We are working with our unions and staff members to keep actual job loss to a minimum through attrition and, whenever possible, early retirements.”
Care at Parkwood includes complex care, rehabilitation and specialized geriatric programs.
