TORONTO - The Ontario Health Coalition says it will hold 12 public hearings on the future of rural and northern hospitals that it says are under threat by the governing Liberals.
The group says small hospitals are closing across the province and the work of a government panel set up to review health care in rural and northern communities has been shrouded in mystery.
Executive director Natalie Mehra says the OHC will hold consultations in each region of the province starting March 4 and send its report to the government.
She says the panel has refused to meet with any patient groups or community groups.
Health Minister Deb Matthews has said the government will hold public consultations, but only after the panel completes its review.
The Ontario Medical Association, the Ontario Health Coalition and several local councils have called for a moratorium on cuts and closures to hospitals until the panel completes its review this year.
