Staff layoffs, increased price in parking part of NBRHC budget adjustments
There are some changes coming to the North Bay Regional Health Centre, and it includes staff layoffs, an increase in parking and changes to how some services will be accessed.
Health Centre officials say the changes will be done in order to meet budget requirements, and the difficult adjustments will come up to $5.6M in savings annually.
According to the Health Centre 40 positions will be impacted, however they add the number of employees affected could be much lower based on 14 new roles, offers of early exit, retirements and more.
Starting in January the hospital will be reducing the number of physician leadership positions by 20%, however there will be no change in physician numbers. Also starting in the new year the one time exit pass is also going up a dollar and change to $7.25, with some other parking options also being implemented.
“We have done everything in our power to meet our financial target and find savings equal to 2% of our budget,” says Paul Heinrich, President and CEO.
“Hospitals face a number of complex challenges including operational pressures, financial constraints and an increased demand for services,” Heinrich says. “Our priority is always to protect and maintain access to health care.”
Heinrich adds it’s important to openly acknowledge the stress this causes for staff, physicians, volunteers, and patients.
“NBRHC is focused on working collaboratively with the Government of Ontario to find both funding and operational solutions to create a more innovative and sustainable future for the communities we serve.”
Brad is Vista Radio's Senior News Director for Ontario. He was born in Sudbury, raised in Kapuskasing and has lived in the North Bay area for nearly 20 years. A Canadore College grad, he has worked for many newspapers across the north, and joined the broadcasting side of the business in 2020. The proud husband and father of two loves sharing important local and area news to listeners. If you have a news tip you'd like to share, e-mail baubin@vistaradio.ca.
