St. Joseph’s Health Care London Cuts Over 100 Nursing Roles Amid Deficits

St. Joseph’s Health Care London is eliminating 83 full-time and 31 part-time registered nurse (RN) positions within its mental health programs, according to CityNews Toronto. The hospital is replacing these roles with a similar number of positions for social workers, occupational therapists, registered practical nurses, physiotherapy assistants, personal support workers, and therapeutic recreation assistants.

The move follows a model of care review for the Parkwood Institute's outreach program, regional outpatient, and mental health inpatient services. St. Joseph’s Health Care London stated the realignment ensures care matches patient needs while optimizing resources. The decision comes after the hospital recorded its first-ever deficit of $4.7 million last year and faces a planned operating deficit this year, with a goal to balance the budget within three years.

This action aligns with directives from Health Minister Sylvia Jones, who instructed hospitals in deficit to create three-year plans to eliminate losses and implement "low-risk" measures immediately. While province spokesperson Lily Barnes noted that hospital funding increased by four per cent for the fourth straight year and asserted that patient access to services would not be impacted, the Ontario Nurses’ Association disagrees. Provincial president Erin Ariss stated that the cuts leave patient safety "severely compromised," arguing that RN skills are vital for life-saving interventions.

St. Joseph’s Health Care London expects 25 part-time and 60 full-time jobs to be directly affected due to transfer opportunities and current vacancies. Other Ontario institutions are making similar cuts: Hamilton Health Sciences announced plans to cut over 400 jobs; The Ottawa Hospital is reducing its workforce by three per cent; London Health Sciences Centre is cutting nursing roles via attrition; and Chatham-Kent Health Alliance plans to cut 49 positions by leaving vacancies unfilled.