Another hospital, another lost service

Kingston General Hospital (KGH) plans to close down a patient residence by the end of the year.

Since 1974, the KGH operated "Quinte Thousand Islands Lodge" has provided free-of-charge, accommodations for cancer patients and their care givers. Visitors of oncology patients can also rent rooms for $25 per night and visitors for non-oncology patients can rent rooms for $45 a night.

After the shut down, patients will likely be housed in local hotels. The KGH told the Kingston Whig Standard that it is committed to having accommodations provided at no cost to the patients and that any savings will be put back into the cancer centre. Five non-medical KGH staff currently work at the lodge.

CUPE Local 1974 president Louis Rodrigues says it is a shame the hospital will no longer provide this service to cancer patients. "We're concerned that funding difficulties are pushing hospitals to cut the range of services they provide. What will be next?"

-- My best May Day wishes to Leftwords readers! -- Doug

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