Eastern Health cutting jobs, Central Health closing clinics to save after budget cuts

Newfoundland and Labrador health authorities announced Monday they will be cutting jobs and closing clinics following cuts made in the 2016-17 provincial budget.

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​Eastern Health says it will be cutting the equivalent of 107 full time jobs, while Central Health will be closing clinics in Gander Bay (Wing's Point), Carmanville, Hare Bay and Hermitage.

The budget, which was laid out last week, reduced the operating grants for both Eastern Health and Central Health, forcing them to tighten operations. 

Eastern Health

Eastern Health said Monday that its cost cutting measures will save around $19 million annually.

The health authority said the majority of these positions will be "eliminated through redeployment to vacant positions or attrition".

"The cost saving initiatives we are communicating today will ensure Eastern Health is more financially sustainable in the future, while minimizing any negative impact on the quality or safety of patient, client or resident care," said David Diamond, CEO and president of Eastern Health.

"As stewards of taxpayers' dollars, we are accountable for operating and spending our budget within available means."

The health authority also said these FTE reductions will result in fewer hours of work for temporary employees and less overtime for permanent employees.

Services affected

Programs and services will also be affected.

Some routine breast cancer screening will end with women age 40-49 no longer being screened as part "the population-based breast screening program." The women can continue get regular mammography with a physician requisition.

Mental Health and Addictions will see some programs and services either eliminated or consolidated with other related programs.

The 10-bed residential program at the Waterford Hospital will be closed. These residents will be transferred to other units at the Waterford, placed in a long-term care facility, or appropriate accommodations will be found in the community.

The authority said it will also be closing the Masonic Park long term care facility in St. John's, which has 40 beds, and moving residents to the new Veterans Pavilion facility in St. John's. 

Central Health

The central health authority, meanwhile, said in a statement that it will be consolidating primary care clinics to save money in that region. 

"In the current fiscal environment we have had to make some difficult decisions because just as we as individuals manage a household budget, so too must the healthcare system live within its means," said Rosemarie Goodyear, president and CEO of Central Health.

Central Health said it will also be converting the dialysis space at Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre into long term care beds due to limited demand for dialysis, and reducing emergency room hours at Dr. Hugh Twomey Heath Centre in Botwood.

The authority also plans to generate revenue through a 20 per cent increase in cafeteria prices and will bill for community-based services provided to individuals from out-of-province and workers compensation claimants".

"We recognize that access to healthcare services is of great importance to the people of this region and I also acknowledge that, for some people, these initiatives may place that value under additional strain," said Goodyear.

"Operating in the reality of limited resources, we know that access must reflect the evidence so that precious healthcare resources can be used for the greatest good."

Western Health

In a news briefing Monday afternoon, Western Health said it has found ways to save $1,365,400 a year.

That will mean eliminating 12.8 full time equivalent positions, mostly nurses who work in the operating and recovery rooms which will now be staffed on an on-call basis during the evenings and on weekends. 

Four housekeeping and laundry jobs will also be eliminated.

Western Health will also shut down its school of nursing residence. It says the housing was built to accommodate 69 students, including those from other academic institutions, but the level of interest has been declining, so the space will be used for offices that are now in leased buildings.

"Our goal there will be no impact on patient services and patient care," said chief financial officer Devon Goulding.