March 25, 2020 at 1:00 PM
On Friday March 20, Ornge was notified by Ontario’s Ministry of Health that they were discontinuing the present funding model of the Pediatric program based at the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Base. On Monday March 23, Ornge CEO Dr. Homer Tien arranged a teleconference meeting with the affected PTP and CCP staff – Foster Brown, Director of HR, Justin Pyke, Director of Operations and Mark Etherington, Unifor District 344 Chairperson.
Ornge informed the affected staff that the plan is to amalgamate the Pediatric and Adult programs which are both located at the GTA base. A Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) meeting is being held today to discuss reintegration and training requirements.
Dr. Tien explained there had been extensive discussions over the past 2 years, but the trigger to initiate this change was influenced by the recent need for increase of Critical Care resources happening as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Over the next week the company has promised to meet with all parties, to provide answers and timelines. Unifor will fight to continue to utilize the valuable skills and dedication of the Pediatric team while representing and protecting the interests of all members.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
Mark Etherington
District 344 Chairperson
Unifor Local 2002
/20-03-25 Ornge amalgamation update en.txt