Toronto General hospital removes bars aimed at keeping homeless people away
The University Health Network says the bars were installed because the area outside Toronto General Hospital sees significant traffic from cars and ambulances, and because of safety concerns about garbage and needles found there.
Mark McAllister / Global NewsTORONTO – A health organization that runs several hospitals in Toronto is apologizing for installing bars over a vent outside a downtown emergency department to deter homeless people from sleeping there.
The University Health Network says the bars were installed because the area outside Toronto General Hospital sees significant traffic from cars and ambulances, and because of safety concerns about garbage and needles found there.
But in trying to solve that problem, the organization says it created the impression that it was not concerned about the needs of the homeless.
UHN spokeswoman Gill Howard says the bars were removed on Wednesday after the organization faced backlash from the public as well as its own staff members.
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She says the hospital will still need to address the safety concerns in the area, but will also be looking at more ways to help homeless people.
The University Health Network runs Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospitals, as well as five rehab clinics.