Earlier this week, Niagara Health System announced changes related to the long-term care home at the Welland Hospital site. This news is understandably concerning for residents and families who depend on this home, as well as for the dedicated staff whose livelihoods are tied to the care they provide.
I want to reassure residents that the City of Welland is already taking steps to be part of what comes next. I have reached out directly to the Minister of Long-Term Care to discuss the situation and to begin important conversations about the path forward.
While it is still too early to know what upcoming discussions will look like, our goal is clear. The City will work collaboratively with the Ministry of Long-Term Care, Niagara Health System (NHS), and others involved to identify viable, long-term solutions that best serve our community. A key priority for us is retaining and increasing long-term care beds in Welland, so residents can continue to access care close to home.
We also recognize that there may be opportunities ahead, and we are preparing to explore them thoughtfully. This includes working with NHS and the Niagara Region to consider approaches that could support the development and operation of a new long-term care home. Our strong preference is for long-term care to continue at the existing Welland Hospital site, where care has long been an integral part of our community.
I also want to acknowledge the staff affected by this decision. Behind every announcement are people and families, and the City will work closely with our partners to support efforts that help affected workers through this period of uncertainty.
As more information becomes available, I remain committed to keeping residents informed.
Frank Campion, Mayor
Attribution: City of Welland release:
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