Residents launch petition calling for review of care at Smiths Falls hospital
A growing number of Smiths Falls residents are coming together and voicing alarm over what they describe as declining standards of care at the Smiths Falls & Perth District Hospital (SFPDF).
An online petition, created on the iPetitions platform, outlines a range of patient concerns including prolonged wait times, shortages of doctors, premature discharges, inadequate pediatric follow-up, and what it describes as “discriminatory practices” by some hospital staff.
“Patients report feeling dismissed, unheard, and treated with a lack of respect and empathy by some hospital staff,” petition organizers explain.
“While the hospital’s reported metrics may appear satisfactory, the lived experiences of patients reveal a disturbing pattern of inadequate and, at times, discriminatory practices,” the petition continues, “Patients report feeling pressured to leave the hospital prematurely, often with their symptoms minimized or dismissed entirely in what appears to be a concerted effort to manage bed occupancy. “
Among the more serious allegations in the petition is that some patients were treated unfairly based solely on having the same last name as individuals known to struggle with substance abuse. The petition calls such practices “unethical and potentially illegal,” and urged that “this prejudiced practice is unacceptable and must cease immediately. “
The purpose of the petition is to publicly call upon Smiths Falls Town Council to investigate the allegations and work with hospital leadership to ensure “quality, compassionate, and equitable healthcare.” Petition organizers argue that a full comprehensive review, combined with community input, is necessary to restore confidence among Smith Falls residents.
“The consequences of these failures are far-reaching,” the petition states. “This erodes public trust in our local hospital and cultivates a climate of fear and anxiety within our community.”
As of 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the petition has drawn 66 signatures from residents, with more being added daily. The comment section of the petition has also accumulated comments of petition signers sharing their own stories of the hospital and statements of concern.
Neither SFPDH nor town council have issued public responses to the petitioner’s allegations at the time of publication.
Lanarkist has contacted the hospital for comment but no response has been received at the time of publication. If a response is received, it will be added here.