South Bruce Grey Health Centre Transitioning Inpatient Beds from Durham Hospital

South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) has announced a significant decision to transfer 10 inpatient beds from the Durham Hospital to the Walkerton and Kincardine sites due to a critical shortage of staff. This decision, set to take effect on June 3, comes as a response to the anticipated intensification of staffing shortages during the upcoming summer season.

Meghan Legge, the director of quality and engagement at SBGHC, emphasized that the safety of patients and staff was the top priority in making this decision. The leadership team and board of directors carefully reviewed options before determining the need to transfer patients to address staffing shortages in both inpatient care and emergency services at the Durham site.

Recruitment efforts have been ongoing, with only one out of the four recent applicants meeting the hiring requirements for registered nursing positions in Durham. The hospital has been relying on agency nurses to complement its staffing, but the shortage remains a pressing issue.

Despite the changes, SBGHC is committed to keeping the Durham site open and providing care to the community. Patients in need of urgent medical attention can still access the Durham site daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital cooperative is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible in the community.

To address any concerns or questions from the community, SBGHC will be hosting a community webinar on May 14 to provide further details about the upcoming changes. With the transition set to take place on June 3, the hospital cooperative is working diligently to make necessary arrangements before the summer season arrives.