Ottawa hospital officials are warning that a major budget shortfall could force the city's six hospitals to cancel surgeries, close beds and lay off staff.
The hospitals are currently facing a $51.6-million shortfall and are considering ways to cut expenses. By law, Ontario hospitals must balance their books each year.
The Ottawa Hospital currently has a budget shortfall of $20-25 million, based on a two per cent funding increase.
However, there's no guarantee the provincial government will increase funding.
If the government decides to freeze funding, the Queensway-Carleton Hospital will face a $7.7-million budget shortfall. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario would need to find $4 million in savings to prevent cuts.
Although cuts will likely be necessary, hospital officials say patients won't feel the impact right away.
"There's no immediate danger of services being cut over the next couple of months. If something happens, it will be next summer," said CHEO CEO Michel Bilodeau.
Hospitals outside Ottawa are also tightening their spending. If the province doesn't increase funding, Cornwall Community Hospital will face a $3.2-million shortfall. Brockville General Hospital's shortfall would be $1.8 million.
Meanwhile, the hospital in Pembroke expects to balance its books, due in part to 30 long-term care beds opening in January, effectively taking a load off the hospital.
The provincial government isn't expected to announce its allocation for hospital funding until the spring.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
