Provincial nursing union condemns cuts at Algoma Public Health

Layoffs at Sault-area health unit CTV News has confirmed that six positions are being cut at Algoma Public Health – including three nurses – a return to pre-pandemic levels.

Recent layoffs at Algoma Public Health (APH) have drawn frustration from nursing unions.

In total, the health unit is cutting six positions, with the majority being registered nurses.

In a statement, the health unit confirmed that three of the positions were in the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) bargaining unit, one was in the CUPE bargaining unit and two were in management positions.

“It is important to note, however, that APH increased its complement during the pandemic by 15 full-time positions and this staff reduction and attrition management has brought our staffing number down to its pre-pandemic level,” said APH’s director of corporate services Rick Webb in the statement emailed to CTV News.

“We do not anticipate these changes having an impact on the public health services we provide.”

ONA leadership said that laying off nurses roughly a week after the health unit stated that more than 6,000 children are behind on immunizations is poor timing.

"I'm dumbfounded that this has occurred when there are thousands of children requiring vaccinations,” said ONA president Erin Ariss.

“There's never, ever a good time, but certainly right now when we see a shortage like we do across nursing, across healthcare in Ontario. It is nonsensical that the District of Algoma Public Health has done this."

The union said it is calling on APH’s board to reverse the decision and restore the positions.