March 2, 2017Media Release: Councillor Pasternak Strongly Opposes the Decision to Close the Urgent Care Centre at the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 10, York Centre, strongly objects to the decision to close the Urgent Care Centre at the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre, 555 Finch Avenue West, in June 2017."It is extremely disappointing that the decision was made to close the Urgent Care Centre in June. This facility is an incredibly valuable resource for the local community that enables residents to receive care for urgent illnesses and injuries that are not life threatening. I am calling on the Premier and Minister of Health and Long Term Care to reconsider this decision," said Councillor Pasternak.The Branson Ambulatory Care Centre is one of North York General Hospital's three sites. In addition to the Urgent Care Centre, Branson also provides vital services for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment planning, mental health, medical imaging, cataract surgery and diabetes education programs. In 2015-16, the outpatient volume at the Branson Site was 68,693 with 21,858 visits to the Urgent Care Centre.North York General has determined that it will not be renewing its lease at the Branson Ambulatory Care Centre in 2019 as the Advent Corporation has extensive redevelopment plans for the site that will include a seniors’ living and care community."I would be of great benefit to the community for the Urgent Care Centre to remain open until the end of the facility's lease in 2019. We will work with any medical facility to activate this site and ensure its long-term sustainability," said Councillor Pasternak.- End -Councillor James Pasternak416-392-1371 | councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca www.jamespasternak.ca