Event on November 30 will focus on community’s healthcare opinions

Local residents will be given a chance to voice their opinion about the impending closure of the Douglas Memorial urgent care centre at an event later this month.

Hosted by Fort Erie Healthcare SOS, the event will take place on November 30 at Greater Fort Erie Secondary School from 6 to 8 p.m.

In late September, the same grassroots group that has been fighting to save Douglas Memorial hosted a healthcare summit at the Crystal Ridge Arena.

It was not open to the general public and was participated in by politicians and other community and business leaders.

The November 30 gathering is designed to gather input from residents.

“We want to hear from the people attending about what their thoughts and visions are for healthcare in Fort Erie,” said Heather Kelley, founder of Fort Erie Healthcare SOS, adding that solutions and recommendations will be welcome.

There will be a “speaker’s corner” set up for people who want to record their thoughts.

Those who wish to get up and speak at a microphone to share their stories and ideas will be held to a three-minute time limit.

“Whether it’s one or 1,001 people who show up, it’s their opportunity,” said Kelley.

The input received at the event will be compiled with what was collected at the summit and be presented to the province.

The urgent care centre, which used to be a full-service hospital, is planned by Niagara Health to close in 2028 when the new South Niagara Hospital in Niagara Falls is open.

There will be a petition for people to sign as well, pushing for the Fort Erie site to remain open as a full-service hospital.

Although registration isn’t required, Kelley is encouraging residents to sign up to speak by emailing forterie@healthcaresos.net or by calling (905) 993-2078.

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