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LETTER: Citizen referendum vote hopes to stop hospital privatization

'Public has a right to address Bill 60 which opens the floodgates of privatization of medically necessary surgeries,' says Guelph District Health Coalition member
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GuelphToday received the following letter to the editor from Magee McGuire, a member of the Guelph District Health Coalition, regarding Bill 60.

Dear editor
 
Health care is a public concern. There is a huge effort from Guelph citizens by the Guelph District Health Coalition (GDHC) to bring to the public attention that there is an up coming referendum for hospitals.

On May 26 and 27 the public has a right to address Bill 60 which opens the floodgates of privatization of medically necessary surgeries. It is sponsored by the Ontario Health Coalition and is supported by nurses and health care workers who know the outcomes of such legislation among many organizations. 

It has been tried in the past with smaller, less risky surgeries but now can extend to about 40 per cent of hospital surgeries. This will remove access to rural areas especially and evidence shows it does not work. The personal cost is extreme as many private clients have witnessed.

Also, there is another way to increase the availability of hospital operating rooms to clear the backlog of many surgeries within a year. It just needs political will.

I hope you can help spread the news about the opportunity to voice an opinion on Bill 60. The GDHC has planned many voting stations. People can vote online, or in person at City Hall Market Square, West End Rec Centre, Victor Davis Rec Centre, The Boathouse, Correlieu at 98 York Rd., The Big Umbrella at Farmers’ Market, Water Street Church, St. George’s Square, Royal City Mission, Wellington Brewery, All Saints Lutheran and Anglican Church, North End Market and Unitarian Church.

Magee McGuire, Guelph
Member GDHC