SPECULATION, CRITICISM HURTS STAFF MORALE: NIAGARA HEALTH

who "have been doing everything they can, including working additional shifts well beyond the norm, to ensure we can continue to provide services across the region."

Despite the impact on emergency surgeries, she said scheduled procedures at the Welland site will not be impacted, and emergency services will continue to run 24/7.

"However, this is not a long-term solution as we risk losing more anesthesiologists," Guerriero wrote.

Presse, meanwhile, said the hospital system appreciates "the passion our elected officials have for this issue, but unfortunately this ongoing and continued speculation and criticism

of the work Niagara Health is doing to provide the best care we can with the resources we have has a direct negative impact on the morale of our frontline staff."

Burch and Campion sent a second letter to Niagara Health on Friday, regarding the current situation as well as long-term plans that would reduce services as the Welland hospital.

Burch said he intends to raise the issue at Queen's Park as well, after the provincial legislature resumes in February.