Niagara Health staffing cuts raise concerns over local urgent care
December 5, 2025 at 3:46 AM
The Douglas Memorial urgent care centre (UCC) will keep its current hours for now as Niagara Health cuts 98 staff roles across the region and continues to struggle to staff Fort Erie shifts with physicians.
Niagara Health said on November 27 it will cut 98 roles across its hospital system to save more than $9 million and reduce a $26 million deficit.
In a written statement to Fort Erie Radio, the organization said this specific plan will not reduce hours or services at any site, including Douglas Memorial in Fort Erie, but said it is still too early to know how staffing changes will affect individual locations.
“There are no changes to UCC service hours as a result of this announcement,” reads the statement sent by a member of the Niagara Health communications team. “However, we continue to struggle to staff UCC shifts with physicians and ask that residents check niagarahealth.on.ca before visiting a UCC.”
Niagara Health did not say whether any of the 98 affected roles are currently based at Douglas Memorial, as it is now working with its union partners on how the reductions will be put in place and how staff will be redeployed. The full process is expected to take several weeks.
About 87 per cent of the reductions will come through vacant positions, and redeployment rather than layoffs. No nurses are expected to be terminated.
On November 27, Niagara Health also reported steps such as reviewing contracts, reducing discretionary spending and improving sick time and overtime to help control its deficit. It said the staffing changes and other measures are meant to move the system closer to balance while keeping patient care safe.
Douglas Memorial’s urgent care centre has already faced reduced hours this year and is scheduled to close in 2028, with services expected to shift to the new South Niagara Hospital in Niagara Falls. That separate plan predates the latest staffing cuts and remains a major concern for Fort Erie.
Mayor Wayne Redekop described the impending closure as a “crisis situation” earlier this year.
Town council has responded by advancing a proposal to turn the Bertie Street site into a health hub that would keep urgent care in Fort Erie, potentially without Niagara Health, while adding non-acute beds, clinics and education space. Council approved up to $100,000 this fall to hire consultants to develop detailed options for the building and its services.
“We understand the concerns and will continue to work with local health care partners to ensure the appropriate care is available for residents,” says the statement sent to Fort Erie Radio.
Residents can find the most current Douglas Memorial urgent care hours at niagarahealth.on.ca while staffing and redeployment discussions continue.
Two Fort Erie council seats could be decided this Friday without a vote
Railway museum on track for 29th season with new exhibits
Salvation Army kettles raise $55,849 as food bank use climbs 40 per cent
About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
Stay Informed