Ontario NDP leader says it's 'shocking' there's no funding for 89 hospital beds in Windsor

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath says Windsor hospitals are struggling with overcrowding while 89 beds sit empty atHtel-DieuGrace Healthcare.

Horwath was in Windsor Friday and expressed concern about packed wardsat area hospitals because of a shortage of funding and staff.

"It's shocking actually when you think about the stress that our hospitals are under, the overcrowding that's happening to know there are some 89 beds here that could be utilized to take the pressure off," said Horwath, whose visit comes just months before the provincial election.

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She added hospitals in Windsor arecoming off their"busiest winter ever," operating at 100-103 per cent capacity for weeks, causing surgeries to be cancelled, long ER wait times and ambulance delays.

Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky joined Horwath, along with other area NDPmembers of provincial parliament, Percy Hatfield and Taras Natyshak.

She said those 89 beds are ready for use,if only the government could supply $6 million to $8 million in funding.

"All they need to do is turn on the lights, turn on the equipment, and have the staff in place," Gretzky explained.

Without enough beds, the MPP said people are waiting in emergency departments for hours, before being sent home.

Beds for geriatric patients who have complex mental health needs for conditions including dementia are especially needed, Gretzky added.

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Horwathalso pledged that if she's elected she will improve on the Liberal's pharmacare plan that supplies free prescription drugs for people under the age of25.

"Whether you're 23, whether you're 35, whether you're 62, you should not be going to your doctor, getting a prescription and putting it in your pocket because you simply can't afford to fill the prescription."