Hospitals warn ‘no easy choices’ if Ontario doesn’t substantially increase funding | Globalnews.ca

The Ontario Hospital Association warns that several provincial hospitals are facing significant challenges due to patient-related pressure, leading to a combined $1 billion in structural deficits. The association urges the Ford government to increase health-care funding in its upcoming budget to avoid difficult decisions and potential service reductions or staffing cuts. Hospitals are grappling with rising costs, a growing and aging population, and inflation, which have contributed to the deficits. The Brockville General Hospital, for instance, is experiencing a 58% increase in emergency department visits compared to its design capacity, leading to longer wait times and stretched resources.