Councillors in Meaford are urging all residents who receive care at Meaford General Hospital to protest possible plans to eliminate surgical services from the hospital.
In a news release, council stated it recognizes health services as a critical part of the community. Council also pointed out the loss of surgical services could severely harm efforts to attract new residents and businesses to Meaford.
Council first heard about the threat in November from Lance Thurston, president of Grey-Bruce Health Services.
Thurston says Grey Bruce Health Services is facing the possibility of $17-million annual deficits by 2019-2020 unless it makes significant changes to its cost structure.
That could include eliminating surgical or other services at rural hospitals.