The Middlesex-London Health Unit says a multi-million dollar financial shortfall means it will be cutting jobs.
While only seven people will be out of work thanks to voluntary retirement incentives and other measures, the impact will be wide reaching within the public health organization.
Thirteen full-time equivalent registered nurse positions will be lost, along with two registered dieticians and one health promoter.
One director position has also been eliminated, along with three managers.
“Health Unit leadership acknowledges that this is a very difficult situation and we are grateful to our staff and leaders for their grace and professionalism throughout this challenging time. MLHU is working with union partners to support staff as we transition into new team structures starting in the new year,” CEO Emily Williams said in a news release on Thursday. “The new structure will be evaluated throughout 2024 to ensure that the allocated resources are appropriate given the priorities of the Health Unit.”
The budget shortfall - despite increased funding from both the province and municipalities - comes in at between $2.6-$2.8-million.
“The budget pressures the MLHU is facing are considerable, and mean that we are no longer able to sustain our current or historic levels of service to the residents of London and Middlesex County,” Dr. Alex Summers said in the news release announcing the cuts. “These have been hard decisions to make, but despite these challenges, the Health Unit is committed to providing excellent and critical public health services to our community, now and in the years ahead.”
These changes are effective January 1.
The health unit has a budget of $38.4-million in 2024.
