2 Southern Ontario Hospitals Replacing Dozens of PSWs with Nurses in 2026

What’s Happening?

The Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital in southern Ontario are laying off more than 50 personal support workers (PSWs) and replacing them with nursing staff.

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“Evidence consistently demonstrates that enhanced regulated nursing resources improve patient outcomes, reduce adverse events, and support safer, higher quality care,” the hospitals said in statements to CBC News.

Layoff notices have been issued to many of the affected PSWs — informing them that their employment will come to an end in Sept. 2026.

Other Ontario hospitals are adjusting their care models as well, citing changing patient needs.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Ontario. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.