ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2024
Minden community observes Emergency Department closure
MINDEN, ON – The community of Minden Hills will be memorializing our beloved
Minden Emergency Room on Saturday, June 1 st – the one-year anniversary of its
sudden closure.
A flowering magnolia tree will be planted on the grounds of the Minden ER site at 12:00
noon with the public invited to join in the planting (4575 Deep Bay Road, Minden). We
see this magnolia as a symbol of rebirth, returning with bright and beautiful flowers each
Spring. The tree represents strength, endurance, and renewed energy. Its grandeur and
beauty will provide a sense of vitality and vibrancy; while the blooms short lifespan is a
reminder that life is fleeting.
Caring volunteers have created a wreath which will accompany the magnolia planting,
and a bronze plaque honouring the Minden ER will be added at a future date
recognizing our history with the Minden Red Cross Hospital; the dedication of the
Fiddler brothers; the Minden Hospital; and the recent ER closure.
While we mourn the passing of our ER, we recognize that all rural Ontario communities
are also at risk of losing their emergency services. We will continue to advocate for the
return and strengthening of emergency healthcare throughout rural Ontario. One such
initiative is a new petition to the Ontario Legislature that is being launched on May 31 st ,
calling upon the Ontario government to prioritize the healthcare needs of rural
communities and ensure equitable access to quality medical services.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Patrick Porzuczek,
Spokesperson / Founder of Minden Matters and Re open the Minden ER
905-380-5375 / save.minden.er@gmail.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2024
Minden Community Left in the Dark: Ontario Budget Fails to Address Rural
Healthcare Needs
MINDEN, ON - In the recently announced Ontario Budget titled "Building a Better
Ontario," rural communities like Minden have been overlooked, leaving residents
without essential healthcare services and transportation options to hospitals. Despite a
4% increase in overall healthcare spending, Minden Ontario, with a closed Emergency
Room, continues to face significant challenges in accessing necessary medical care
and transportation to Haliburton Hospital.
The lack of infrastructure to support patient transportation from Minden to Haliburton
has created a distressing situation for residents. With a nearly 30-minute drive
separating Minden from Haliburton, many individuals are unable to meet their
healthcare needs due to a lack of transportation availability and affordability. This
situation is particularly worrisome for the elderly and retirees who specifically chose
Minden for its proximity to one of the best emergency rooms in rural Ontario.
Disturbing incidents have occurred because of inadequate healthcare provisions. For
instance, a child experiencing a rhythm cardiac disturbance had to wait close to 30
minutes for emergency medical services to arrive at their residence. Another severely ill
patient, who received dual IV antibiotics, was informed at midnight that he had to drive
himself for emergency imaging in inclement weather because there was no provision for
patient transport. These stories are just a glimpse into the ongoing struggles faced by
our community.
Reopen the Minden ER group is once again taking its fight to Queens Park on Monday,
April 22, 2024, to participate in the public hearings on Bill 180. Our aim is to advocate
for the necessary resources and support our community desperately needs, extending
beyond Minden to the entire catchment area.
The 2024 Budget, "Building a Better Ontario," offers a 4% increase in overall healthcare
spending. However, the current budget fails to address the specific challenges faced by
rural communities like ours. While the government has acknowledged the need to
alleviate pressures experienced by small and Northern hospitals, including health
human resources shortages, increased agency staffing costs, and emergency
department closures, it is evident that the needs of Minden and its surrounding areas
have not been adequately considered.

The permanent closure of the Minden ER has had a detrimental impact on our
community. Minden has lost 11 highly skilled emergency room doctors who were
dedicated to serving our town. This loss has placed an even greater strain on
emergency healthcare services in our area, exacerbating the challenges faced by our
residents.
The Minden community continues to suffer, and urgent action is required to stabilize our
region and reopen the Minden ER. We call upon the Ontario government to prioritize the
healthcare needs of rural communities and ensure equitable access to quality medical
services and transportation options.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Patrick Porzuczek
Spokesperson
Founder of Minden Matters and Re open the Minden ER
905-380-5375
Save.minden.er@gmail.com

 

​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement in Response to the Ontario Ombudsman’s investigation
Minden, Ontario – December 20, 2023 
Following the release of the Ombudsman's report regarding the closed meeting held on April 27
between the County of Haliburton and the Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS), the
Reopen the Minden ER committee emphatically calls on all parties involved to prioritize
immediate action towards restoring transparency and accountability in healthcare decisions
affecting our community.
Concerns persist regarding the lack of transparency and exclusion of the public from critical
discussions pertaining to our local healthcare system. The Ombudsman's findings have starkly
highlighted discrepancies in adherence to open meeting regulations, impinging upon the
fundamental rights of citizens to be fully informed about essential healthcare matters that
profoundly impact our community and adjacent areas.
It's imperative to address these glaring violations highlighted from the Ombudsman's
investigation, signaling a need for the Council to take immediate steps to safeguard the health
and welfare of residents. In lieu of the opportunity for inclusive and transparent discussions
surrounding crucial healthcare decisions, council must now stand by constituents and pursue
every avenue available to demand that the Minden ER’s service be fully restored, up to and
including revisiting legal action.
Through the Ombudsman’s investigation, the Council has admitted that the community
continues to actively protest the ER closure and the lack of public voice in decision-making
processes. The Reopen the Minden ER committee urges all residents of the region to continue
putting pressure on all levels of government, and the HHHS until the restoration of trust through
transparent and accountable practices prevails. The Reopen the Minden ER committee vows to
continue advocating for accessible healthcare services for our community and neighboring
areas.

​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Over 10,000 Petition Signatures Demand Immediate Action to Reopen the Minden ER
Amidst Ongoing Rural ER Closures
Minden, Ontario - October 4, 2023 - 
Initiatives to Reopen the Minden ER (Emergency Room) have reached a critical milestone today
with over 10,000 petition signatures from concerned Ontario residents demanding the full
restoration of ER services. The closure of the ER, a fully staffed facility with only six weeks notice,

remains a glaring issue that demands answers. 
“This marks a pivotal moment for us, demonstrating the significance of our movement. Through
our efforts, our community has uncovered countless stories of unnecessary hardship and
negative outcomes following the Minden ER closure. The Conservative government has turned
their back on us, but we refuse to allow the community to suffer in silence, and vow to continue
to do what it takes to get services fully restored”, says Patrick Porzuczek, spokesperson for the
committee. 
Minden: Ground Zero for Ongoing Rural ER Closures
Minden, Ontario, remains ground zero for the crisis of rural ER closures in the province. Despite
various announcements for hospital funding, Emergency Rooms in rural communities like
Chesley, Clinton and Carleton Place are coping with random and frequent Emergency Room
closures and/or permanent reduction of operating hours. Well over twenty Emergency Rooms in
Ontario have been closing frequently due to lack of staff throughout the summer.  And
Haliburton, the nearest hospital to Minden, recently shutdown the acute care facility due to
COVID. 
“These facts underscore the urgency of reopening the Minden ER and addressing the staffing
shortages that are responsible for temporary closures across Ontario”, says Patrick. 
“We are advocating for the reversal of this shortsighted decision and taking a stand against the
alarming trend of rural Ontario ER closures, which continue to put communities at risk," says
Cathy Mauro, a Reopen the Minden ER Committee Member. 
Community Resilience
Last week, Minden residents joined a mass of 10,000 to 12,000 individuals who rallied on the
grounds of Queens Park to send a powerful message, We are not going away!" 
This week, concerned citizens and advocates will once again gather outside the legislature to
present the voice of over 10,000 petition signatures to the government. This tremendous
outpouring of support demonstrates the urgent need to reinstate full services at the Minden ER.
Lives Hang in the Balance
The closure of the fully staffed Minden ER has placed residents and visitors at serious risk, with
devastating consequences. One local resident, Chuck, tragically lost his life to a heart attack
while enroute to a distant hospital due to the lack of nearby emergency care. 

Committee Members, Helen Trinka and her husband Ken Trinka have spent countless hours
spearheading the collection of signatures and listening to stories from residents. “Chuck's story
is a heart-wrenching reminder that access to a local ER can mean the difference between life
and death” says Helen who was there to listen to his family member share the devastating
news. “Chuck may still be alive if the Minden ER was available”, notes Helen. Residents,
businesses, and community members are joining forces to ensure that no one else suffers the
same fate as Chuck due to the closure of this essential emergency facility.
Demand for Accountability
The community is disheartened by the lack of accountability exhibited by the HHHS Executive
and Board, MPP Laurie Scott, MOH Sylvia Jones, and Premier Ford. 
Haliburton Highlands Health Services Board Meeting Minutes show that financial troubles prior
to the closure likely stem from delayed transfer payments from the province. The community
calls on the Minister of Health (MOH) and the Ford Government to intervene and take
responsibility for the decision made without community consultation by reopening the Minden
ER. 
“MPP Laurie Scott's absence from her constituents and Premier Ford's role in supporting "for-
profit healthcare," have not gone unnoticed”, says Patrick who adds:
“With over 10,000 names on a petition, there comes ten thousand people waiting for a
resolution and for us, this is just the beginning. We call on the Ministry of Health (MOH)
and Premier Ford to start making concessions to Reopen the Minden ER or face
continued pressure and scrutiny about this ill-advised closure. We won’t stop until
Ontario’s failing healthcare is back to thriving in public hands where it belongs”.
Immediate Action Needed
The Minden ER is not just vital for Minden but also serves as the closest ER on the major North-
South corridor on Hwy 35 (between Lindsay and Huntsville), further emphasizing its importance
in the region.  The Reopen Minden’s ER Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to
ensuring that accessible healthcare in all of Ontario remains a priority. 
The group urges all concerned citizens, media representatives, and community leaders to join
them outside the legislature on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 12:30 for a press conference to
amplify their call for immediate action.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Patrick Porzuczek, 905-380-5375

​

​​​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Released August 24, 2023

Stand Up Against Rural Hospital Closures – Rally in Just 2 Days!

Event date: Saturday August 26, 2023
Event location: Minden Fairgrounds
Event times: 12:30 PM – 6 PM
Admission: Free
Live Entertainment: County Road 1, Dave Roberts/Bob Lake Band, Ryan Van Lee
Inspirational Speakers: Union Leaders – SEIU – CUPE Ontario – Toronto Education Works Local 4400,
NDP, Liberal Leaders, Healthcare Representatives, Residents of Haliburton / Minden and surrounding
area
Free BBQ: While supplies last, donations appreciated
Organizers: Save Minden Ontario Emergency Room / Minden Matters 
Email: save.Minden.er@gmail.com
Concerned citizens of the Minden Hills hospital closure are organizing a rally on August 26th to raise
awareness about the ongoing emergency room closures across rural Ontario and to demand the Re-
opening of the Minden ER.
The rally aims to bring attention to the state of Ontario's public healthcare system and the detrimental
effects it is having on local communities. The chronic underfunding by Ford’s government has seen over
twenty different hospitals forced to temporarily close their emergency departments leaving rural
communities without access to lifesaving healthcare services.
Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, claims to be investing in hospitals and increasing staff, but these efforts
have only resulted in the creation of private, for-profit agencies that drain resources from local hospitals
and remove healthcare professionals from their communities.
Minden, Ontario has become ground zero for this wave of hospital closures. The fully-staffed Minden
Emergency Department was closed with only six weeks notice, without any public consultation, or master

transition plan for the transition. This sudden closure severely impacts the local population, seasonal
residents, tourists, and those driving through the region. It has put vulnerable individuals at risk, caused
economic hardships, including a decline in housing prices and an exodus of residents from the area.
The closure of the Minden ER is the blueprint for future closures, with the Ontario PC's claiming it to be a
local issue, while the local hospital board indicates that the Ontario Government has final say; neither
party accepting responsibility for the closure – an alarming precedent that will affect all rural hospitals in
Ontario.
Together, we are determined to hold the Ontario PC government and the local HHHS board accountable
for the harm caused by these closures, which have resulted in loss of lives. The family-friendly community
event will take place at the Minden Fairgrounds on August 26th, gates opening at 12:30. The rally invites
residents from rural Ontario and beyond to join in the fight to reopen the Minden ER and to ensure the
continued operation of emergency departments and hospitals in rural areas.

​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Thursday, June 23, 2023

 

Save the Minden ER Expresses Deep Displeasure with Haliburton Highland Health Services and the Executive Board for their handling of today’s AGM

 

Haliburton, ON - The Save the Minden ER group and the community of Minden is profoundly disappointed and concerned about the outcomes of the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). Once again, HHHS has chosen to silence the community and evade their responsibility to the people of Minden. The lack of transparency and meaningful community involvement demonstrated during the meeting continues to raise serious questions about the board's commitment to serving the best interests of the entire community it claims to represent.

 

The AGM was held virtually via zoom, with chat turned off and only a brief Q&A at the end. No attendees were allowed to speak. Cameras were turned off until the last 20 minutes.

 

Numerous community members attended the AGM via zoom with high hopes of actively participating in the decision-making processes that shape the future of our local healthcare system. However, their expectations were shattered as the meeting fell short of providing any meaningful opportunities for open dialogue, constructive feedback, or transparent decision-making.

 

Today, HHHS unveiled their new Vision and Values. HHHS Purpose is to optimize health and wellbeing in Haliburton County. We challenge that closing the Minden ER achieves the opposite of their purpose. HHHS Values are Compassion, Accountability, Integrity & Respect. This board failed on all fronts today:

• No Compassion for the community when they announced the closure with just 6 weeks notice and no opportunity to voice their concerns today.

• No Accountability when HHHS hid their intent and refused to  have any public consultation and again today when they silenced all participants.

• No integrity shown when they released an ill-thought out transition plan in the weeks before the closure, once again without public consultation and a virtually closed meeting without opportunity for a challenge of any kind.

• No respect for the community from the date of the announcement and certainly none at the AGM. Every action taken to silence the voices of our community.  

 

We cannot make progress on the issues that face the community if at every turn we are blocked from the process. The board's continued failure to address the impact of the Minden ER closure and address this crucial aspect undermines the trust and confidence of the very community it is obligated to serve.

 

Furthermore, the minimal community involvement allowed at the meeting only further compounds the issue. The community members, who rely on the hospital's services, have valuable insights and perspectives that should be considered when making decisions that impact their healthcare. By neglecting to provide a platform for meaningful engagement, the board has effectively marginalized the voices of those it serves.

 

The acting CEO has indicated that there will be several Town Hall meetings where she will answer questions and work with the community. There have been many opportunities, however, HHHS has chosen to avoid and evade the community. Given what happened today during the AGM, it’s just more of the same. When will HHHS start listening?

 

The Minden community demands immediate action from the HHHS CEO and Board to rectify these shortcomings. We call for a transparent and accountable governance structure that actively involves the community in decision-making processes. The process for selecting board members needs to be open and transparent. The board must represent the entire community. This board does not.

 

The HHHS Board of Directors has failed in their fiduciary responsibility and residents are calling on Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones to appoint a supervisor to oversee their removal and replacement of the HHHS Board. This action is necessary to ensure that the HHHS is properly managed and that healthcare is provided adequately in Haliburton County and Reopen the Minden Emergency Department. 

 

Our community deserves better, and we will not rest until the CEO and board takes proactive steps to restore trust, foster transparency, and embrace genuine community involvement.

 

The Minden ER must be reopened. #Mindenmatters

 

Media Contact:

Patrick Porzuczek

Save the Minden ER, Minden Matters

905-380-5375

Save.Minden.er@gmail.com

 

June 20th 2023

 

The Kawartha North Family Health Team and Save Minden Emergency Room / Minden Matters group have unexpectedly come together to bring health care to Minden and the surrounding community.

 

The Ford government and the Ministry of Health agreeing to fund this clinic does not alleviate their responsibility for allowing the Minden emergency room to close. The closure has created a gap in health care in Haliburton County and endangered the lives of residents experiencing medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and allergic reactions.

 

HHHS says they’re going to measure the impact of the Minden emergency room closure by monitoring mortality and morbidity rates. This is an admission that the HHHS knows that the closure of the Minden emergency room could kill people. 

 

An urgent care clinic that does not deal with life threatening conditions is not the same as an emergency room. People need accessible, local, and immediate access to life saving emergency services. Ontarians do not accept hallway health care and 8-hour plus wait times.

 

The Ministry of Health should have the power to keep the Minden emergency room open but allowed it to close without consultation with the community. The Ford government must take immediate steps to reopen the emergency room as quickly as possible in order to protect the lives of voters.

 

Today’s announcement does not replace the dedication and lifesaving work of health care heroes at the Minden emergency room. The local OPP, EMS, and Fire Department along with all residents, counted on the efficient and accessible emergency health care of the Minden emergency room; the only emergency room centrally located between Lindsay and Huntsville. It was fast and reliable access that has now been eliminated for all; this is unacceptable. The Minden community and rural Ontarians do not want to be victims of the Progressive Conservative government’s reduction of our health care system.

 

An urgent care clinic should not be considered a political gain by MPP Laurie Scott and the PC Party. This should be about making health care better for Minden. 

 

Together, we can rewrite history with Rural Ontario Emergency and public health care!