Even in the midst of a pandemic with extra money being funnelled to the Health Care system from the Ontario government, Newmarket's Southlake Regional Health Centre is set to undergo layoffs.
The Ontario Nurses Association confirmed the layoffs in a news release Tuesday.
They reported 97 registered nurses will be let go.
A spokesperson for Southlake Regional Health Centre confirmed that it plans to "reduce" a total of 95 Registered Nursing positions, but will add 49 Registered Practical Nurse positions, 29 Patient Services Partner positions and 3 Social Worker positions.
It is also reducing management and administrative positions by 34.
Southlake says the reason for the layoffs is it's "facing a significant financial challenge and has announced a series of changes to address this while maintaining the same high-quality care that we provide to the communities we serve."
Officials with Southlake say the financial troubles predate the pandemic, and given the number of current and potential vacancies, they're hoping to "avoid and involuntary frontline employment loss."
Ontario Nurses Association President Vicki McKenna was clearly not impressed by the move.
"With the second wave of COVID-19 and the upcoming influenza season, which will put undue pressure on all hospitals, cutting registered nurses is completely irresponsible."
with files from CTV News Barrie