Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre will cut 32 full-time jobs starting April 1, as the hospital balances its budget.
In a news release outlining their 2016-2017 operating plan, the hospital revealed plans to cut the positions along with 24 vacant positions throughout the facility.
“By leaving no stone unturned in non-clinical efficiencies, RVH is able to minimize the impact on patients, protect beds and services, while delivering quality, patient-centred care,” says Janice Skot, RVH president and CEO.
“RVH is in a privileged position in the province. We’ve grown significantly over the past few years and we will add new services in the next year. However, continuing to absorb rising costs and patient volumes is extremely challenging.”
Ontario hospitals are required to balance their budgets, despite rising costs -- including drugs, supplies, energy and compensation costs -- growing patient volumes and four consecutive years of a funding freeze. The recent provincial budget included a one per cent increase to hospitals’ base funding however, RVH still had to find over $8 million in cost savings.
“As staff exercise their rights under collective agreements, and take advantage of vacancies, retirements, leaves and regular turnover, the actual number of job reductions will decrease,” Skot said in the release.
The Board approved the plan which will balance the $320-million budget.
Skot says investments in an advanced cardiac centre and child and youth mental health programs will continue - commitments that will create about 30 jobs by early 2017.
The budget also allows for the opening of an in-centre dialysis clinic this spring and increase funding for the Intensive Care Unit.
“Any changes that impact people are extremely difficult and are determined only after all other options are exhausted,” Skot said.
“Healthcare faces many challenges, including an aging population, high incidence of chronic disease, increasing costs and limited financial resources.”
