Mount Forest Hospital: A Lifeline for the Community Residents of Mount Forest recently implored the Ontario Health Quality Council (OHC) panel to acknowledge the critical role of their local hospital in sustaining the community’s well-being. At a public hearing, community members shared their compelling testimonies, emphasizing the hospital’s irreplaceable services. “Mount Forest Hospital is not just a building; it’s a lifeline,” stated Mrs. Emily Carter, a longtime resident. “It provides essential healthcare to our families, especially during emergencies.” The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and geriatric assessment. For many residents, it’s their primary source of medical attention. “When my husband had a heart attack, we were so grateful to have the hospital right here,” said Ms. Sarah Jones. “The doctors and nurses saved his life.” In addition to its medical services, Mount Forest Hospital also serves as a social hub for the community. It hosts community events, support groups, and health education programs. “The hospital brings people together,” said Mr. Tom Wilson, president of the local seniors’ club. “It’s a place where we can connect with our neighbors and stay active in our community.” Residents expressed concern that any scaling back of services or relocation of the hospital would have devastating consequences. “Without the hospital, our community would lose its sense of security,” said Mrs. Mary Johnson. “We need to ensure that it remains open and available to us.” The OHC panel listened attentively to the residents’ concerns. They thanked the community for their input and pledged to consider it carefully in their deliberations. The ongoing review of Mount Forest Hospital is part of a broader effort by the Ontario government to optimize healthcare services across the province. The OHC’s recommendations will help shape the future of healthcare in Mount Forest and surrounding areas. Residents remain hopeful that the importance of their hospital will be recognized and that it will continue to serve as a vital lifeline for generations to come.Public Forum Highlights Importance of Local Hospital Amidst Health Care Cuts
Public Forum Highlights Importance of Local Hospital Amidst Health Care Cuts Concerned Mount Forest residents attended a public forum organized by the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) to express their concerns about the impact of cuts to hospital services in their community and surrounding areas. Mayor Kevin Eccles of West Gray criticized the provincial government’s decision to transfer hospital beds from the Durham Hospital to Walkerton and Kincardine, essentially converting it into an emergency department only during daytime hours. He argued that this was part of a larger attack on healthcare, particularly in rural communities. Despite the changes in Durham, officials from Wellington Health Care Alliance emphasized that there had been no significant increase in emergency room volume at Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest. Local residents voiced their strong opposition to any potential reductions in services at Louise Marshall Hospital, which they consider vital to the community’s growth, safety, and well-being. They emphasized the hospital’s importance in handling the increase in visitors during summer months when cottage and resort activities bring more people to the area. Former MP Murray Calder pointed out that many hospitals, including Louise Marshall Hospital, rely on community funds for equipment and infrastructure, raising concerns about the willingness of communities to invest in healthcare if services are at risk of being taken away. The forum concluded with the OHC panel encouraging the community to continue the dialogue and submit written submissions to the organization for consideration in its recommendations for the future of hospitals in Ontario, particularly small and rural facilities.
Mount Forest Hospital a Vital Part of County, Residents Tell Review Panel Mount Forest, ON – Local residents passionately voiced their support for Mount Forest Hospital at a public meeting held by the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) review panel on Tuesday evening. The OHC panel is reviewing the future of hospital services in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, and residents used the opportunity to express their concerns about the potential loss of services at Mount Forest Hospital. “This hospital is vital to our community,” said resident Mary Smith. “It provides essential services that we rely on, and we cannot afford to lose them.” Another resident, John Jones, said that Mount Forest Hospital is more than just a building. “It’s a place where people come to receive care and support when they need it most,” he said. “We need to keep it open.” The OHC panel heard from a number of residents who spoke about the importance of the hospital to their families and to the community as a whole. They also expressed concerns about the impact that closing the hospital would have on access to healthcare in the area. The OHC panel is expected to release its recommendations on the future of hospital services in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph later this year.
