MPP Gates calls for nurse practitioner services for Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake – NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls Riding) joined Niagara-on-the-Lake Mayor, Gary Zalepa, to call for increased nurse practitioner services for Niagara-on-the-Lake with a joint letter released today.

“Seniors in our community deserve access to health care that is publicly available and easily accessible,” said Gates. “As a popular tourist destination and place to retire, additional nurse practitioner services for Niagara-on-the-Lake are critical to help ensure everyone who lives, works or visits the community will have access to the care they need.”

Niagara-on-the-Lake has a high population of senior residents, with approximately 36.2% of the Town’s population 65 years and over.

MPP Gates and Mayor Zalepa penned a joint letter to Ford’s Health Minister calling for a nurse practitioner to serve the community.

In July 2022, Jones’ Ministry confirmed that they supported a nurse practitioner for the Town, and there was funding available.

“With a significant primary care shortage, and lack of access to emergency hospital services, Niagara-on-the-Lake needs the Ministry to follow through on their promise for nurse practitioner services,” said Gates. “Recently, seniors in the community have been forced to travel long distances to different municipalities to get the care they needed. A nurse practitioner position, available to all residents as a walk-in service, is essential to assist these individuals in their time of need.”