RNAO decries plan to eliminate RN positions at London hospital

TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - A move to eliminate more than 200 registered nurse (RN) positions by attrition or retirement – as part of a restructuring plan at London Health Sciences Centre – is ill conceived in the face of ever-increasing acuity, says the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO).

"RNs are critical to the effective functioning and outcomes of patients in acute care, given the complexity of care needs. RNs have the education and scope of practice to provide the safe, quality care needed, and they are already doing so in the face of increased workloads. Now is not the time to find cost efficiencies by further diluting your nursing workforce of RN expertise," says NP Lhamo Dolkar, RNAO President.

Dr. Doris Grinspun, RNAO CEO, says "London Health Sciences Centre's funding woes and mismanagement should not be solved on the backs of patients – referring to a lawsuit related to past procurement practices. The move to eliminate RN positions is an assault on patients whose care will experience the effects of this decision."

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public we serve. For more information about RNAO, visit RNAO.ca or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

For more information, please contact: Marion Zych, Director of Communications, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), 1-800-268-7199 ext. 209, 416-408-5605, 647-406-5605 (cell), [email protected]