Chatham-Kent Health Alliance says it is continuing to implement a multi-year financial recovery plan that will see 49 positions eliminated as the hospital works to address ongoing deficits and stabilize its finances.
The hospital said it is facing pressures similar to other Ontario facilities, including rising costs, an aging population, increasing complexity of care, and aging infrastructure and equipment. It noted hospitals across the province are dealing with similar challenges, leading to expected deficits and declining working capital.
“It is important for the hospital to use available resources as efficiently as possible,” said Adam Topp, President and CEO of CKHA. “Our focus is on being responsible, thoughtful and supportive of our people, while ensuring the hospital is structured for today’s realities and positioned to continue delivering safe, high-quality care into the future. We cannot meet these obligations if we continue to run operating deficits.”
As part of its plan, CKHA said it previously eliminated eight full-time leadership positions in fall 2025 and has since been developing a phased approach to further cost reductions, with staffing costs identified as a key area due to representing the majority of expenditures.
The hospital is restructuring its staffing float pools, which were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to manage high vacancy rates and increased sick time. With vacancy rates now lower, CKHA said it will reduce the float pools by 27 full-time positions. Additional changes will eliminate another five full-time and 17 part-time roles, bringing the total to 49 positions, including 32 full-time and 17 part-time.
CKHA said it intends to manage the reductions primarily through vacancies and attrition. Of the 49 positions being eliminated, 19 are currently vacant, and the hospital said there are 44 vacancies overall that can help absorb the changes.
Currently, 19 of the positions slated for elimination are unfilled, with an additional 25 vacancies expected to support a redeployment process that may include reassignment, transfers, voluntary departures, and potential layoffs if necessary.
“The hospital is making every effort to achieve these reductions through vacant positions and attrition, as well as retirements and voluntary departures,” said Topp. “We are committed to achieving these reductions with minimal disruption to our staff.”
CKHA said the changes will be implemented gradually, with a focus on supporting employees while maintaining patient safety and quality of care.
The hospital added it will continue to communicate updates as the financial recovery plan progresses and will work with staff, partners and the community throughout the transition.
