Welland Hospital’s long-term care facility, in operation in the region for over five decades, will shut down this summer, as announced by Niagara Health. The facility, currently accommodating 87 residents, is situated in a building that does not meet safety standards, making renovations deemed unfeasible by Niagara Health.
In a statement on Feb. 4, Niagara Health disclosed that the hospital’s extended care and interim long-term care units will cease operations in June. Jennifer Dubé, who assists in caring for a resident in the long-term care unit, expressed initial concerns about the abrupt notice but later comprehended the rationale behind the closure during a virtual town hall meeting.
Niagara Health explained that the home, constructed in 1971, no longer complies with contemporary safety and accessibility standards for long-term care. The building lacks a full sprinkler system, now mandatory for long-term care facilities, as per Niagara Health’s communication to CBC.
The decision to close the units was not financially driven, but rather necessitated by the impracticality of implementing the structural modifications required to meet current safety standards due to the outdated mechanical infrastructure and design of the building.
Niagara Health, having one of the few hospitals in Ontario with a long-term care home, opted not to renew the operating license for the facility, which expires in June. Ontario Health’s long-term care placement group atHome has now taken charge of assisting residents in finding suitable home-care options with other regional long-term care providers that align with their medical requirements and preferences.
Residents impacted by the closure or those with complex needs will receive priority assistance, stated Niagara Health. The facility will continue to operate until the last resident is relocated, with no new admissions being accepted. In the event that some residents remain unplaced by June, operations and staff care will be extended until September 2026, authorized by Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care.
Jeff Birch, MPP for Niagara Centre, expressed deep concern over the announcement, emphasizing the exacerbation of the healthcare crisis in the region and the need for a comprehensive plan to address the escalating long-term care waitlist numbers.
Niagara Health clarified that there will be no immediate changes to staff at the long-term care unit, which will maintain full staffing in the lead-up to the closure. Efforts are underway to collaborate with unions to determine the next steps for affected staff in accordance with their collective agreements.
Mayor Frank Campion of Welland pledged support for impacted workers during this uncertain period, emphasizing the city’s commitment to retaining and expanding long-term care beds in the area.