06-19-2024 - No. 07The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
The Honourable Sylvia Jones,
Minister of Health
5th floor, 777 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
Sent via email: Sylvia. Jones(aD_pc. oIa. org
Honourable and Dear Madam:
Re: Continuation of Urgent Care Centre Operation in Fort Eire (& Port Colborne)
and Request for Regional Support
This is to advise that at the June 18, 2024 Council Meeting in the City of Niagara Falls,
the following resolution was adopted with respect to the above noted matter:
No. 7 June 19, 2024
Moved by: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo
Seconded by: Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Whereas Niagara Health has received approval from the Provincial Government to build
a new South Niagara Hospital in Niagara Falls that will provide a range of emergency and
acute care services, and
Whereas the shortage of primary care physicians in Fort Erie results in over 7,000
residents being unattached (unrostered) to a family physician, and
Whereas the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre at Niagara Health's Douglas Memorial site
provides a primary care "safety net" for the community and serves as a first point of health
care contact for both attached and unattached residents who cannot receive time -
sensitive primary health care, and
Whereas the Provincial Government is attempting to reduce EMS offload delays and
eliminate hallway medicine arising from low acuity patients who would be better served
by primary care physicians or an Urgent Care Centre providing access to the primary care
"safety net", and
Whereas the viability of the health care and hospital systems in Niagara are dependent
on all residents having time -sensitive access to primary health care;
Now therefore be it resolved,
That: The City of Niagara Falls advocate to the Minister of Health and Niagara Health for
a commitment to continue the operation of Urgent Care Centre at Douglas Memorial in
Fort Erie following the opening of the South Niagara Hospital as the primary care safety
net until a viable and sustainable alternative is in place in the community, and further
That: This resolution be sent to the Niagara Region and Niagara's local area
municipalities for their support and endorsement.
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. Carried Unanimously
47.�...> ................... ............
WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR
If any further information is required, please contact the undersigned at 905-356-7521,
x4342.
Yours Truly,
Bill Matson
City Clerk, City of Niagara Falls