The Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital announced on April 14, 2026, that it is eliminating 27 personal support worker positions in its acute care and intensive care units. These jobs, represented by Unifor Local 302, are expected to end by September 2026, sparking significant concern among local staff and community members regarding the future of patient care.
The hospital is now overseen by Rural Roads Health Services, a newly integrated organization that also manages Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll. According to the health service, the layoffs follow a review that determined patients require more frequent nursing assessments and complex medical care. Management stated that these responsibilities fall within the scope of practice for registered nurses and registered practical nurses, rather than personal support workers.
For those losing their jobs, the announcement came as a total surprise. Jennifer McMaster, a personal support worker affected by the decision, said staff were called into a meeting without prior notice. She described the experience as incredibly stressful and emotional, noting that workers were not prepared to have to fight for their roles.
Community and union representatives are raising alarms about the potential impact of these changes. Miranda Romanowicz, CEO of the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association, warned that replacing these workers with nurses could lead to higher costs and increased workloads for remaining staff. This move mirrors similar trends across the province, as hospitals struggle with a $1 billion structural deficit identified by the Ontario Hospital Association.
Tillsonburg Town Councillor Kelly Spencer, whose family has long-standing ties to the local hospital, has acknowledged the community’s sense of loss regarding the reduction in staff. Similar layoffs are also occurring at other regional facilities, including St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, which recently announced it is also cutting 26 personal support worker positions.
