Fort Erie encouraged after meeting with Niagara Health Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT ERIE (January 31, 2025)

The Town of Fort Erie has been steadfast and consistent in advocating for local health services to meet the needs of the community. Mayor Redekop and town councillors attended the Niagara Health Board meeting this week on January 29, 2025, seeking support for the continuation of urgent care services beyond the opening of the South Niagara Hospital as the Fort Erie community's primary care safety net.  Without this essential safety net, the Town fears that Emergency departments and EMS will become the first point of contact for 36,000 residents who don't have another option for immediate medical needs.

The Town addressed the Niagara Health board and was encouraged by the discussion and follow-up correspondence where Niagara Health committed to re-engage the town in discussions about local health service solutions, the continued need for the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and other services at the Douglas Memorial Hospital (DMH) site, and future options for the use of the DMH facility.

“We remain committed to collaborative discussions with Niagara Health to develop solutions that will meet the healthcare needs of the Fort Erie community.”

- CAO, Chris McQueen

"The Mayor's presentation reiterated that continuation of the Douglas Memorial Urgent Care Centre as a comprehensive healthcare "safety net" is one of Fort Erie's top priorities. Over the past two years, our Council has been advocating this position to the Premier and Minister of Health. In the next few weeks, we intend to focus our efforts on the upcoming Provincial election to gain a commitment from political parties and local candidates for their support."

- Councillor Joan Christensen