The Ford Conservative Government has decided to close pathology service for Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant and Dufferin. CUPE Local 7800 is calling on the government to review the decision and communicate with members and the community why the decision was made.
This is a very busy and valued program for these communities. Medical personnel and the police service have also voiced their concerns about the impact and delays on investigations, trials and autopsies.
According to the Ford Conservatives, closing the unit and moving the services to Toronto will save $3 million dollars annually – but there is no economic basis for this decision.
Shifting the costs will seriously delay vital services the Hamilton pathology unit manages such as; death investigations, homicide investigations, pediatric deaths and overdoses.
Local and regional delivery of pathology services in Hamilton will be seriously jeopardized by this decision.
Alongside Dave Murphy, President of CUPE Local 7800, I am urging the Ford Conservatives to review their decision and reinstate the valued and needed pathology services for Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant and Dufferin.
In solidarity,
Fred Hahn, President
CUPE Ontario
