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Hospitals Spending Too Much on Interest: MPP

Niagara Health website

Niagara Falls NDP MPP accusing the Ontario government of watching tax dollars being spent on interest payments to banks instead of health care.

Wayne Gates speaking out after reports that provincial hospitals' debt is putting operations at risk, and Niagara hospitals paid $549,000 in interest on short-term borrowing to private banks last year.

The Ontario Hospital Association says funding is not keeping up with inflation costs, leaving a $1-billion deficit province-wide.

The local MPP adds instead of focusing on patients, the government is forcing hospitals into debt with private loans to keep operating.

The NDP also says under current funding plans, there is money for 2,407 fewer beds, and 2,522 fewer nurses for next year.