Pending layoffs at Headwaters Health Care Centre will affect up to nine positions and impact services to patients in Shelburne and Orangeville, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) says.

"Despite the hospital's assurances that patient care will not be affected, the reality is that the timely and seamless flow of information between the patient's doctor, the lab, and the hospital will be disrupted," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

"At the same time, the community of Shelburne will once again see the services at the local hospital being reduced, even while the community grows."

Some services formerly provided by hospital staff will be provided by the private Canadian Medical Laboratories, in an as-yetundisclosed location. The cuts announced June 17 will affect the ability of doctors to get speedy lab results, the union says.

OPSEU represents professional and clerical workers at Headwaters where job cuts will affect laboratory services, pharmacy, and also registration in Shelburne.

The union represents 250 employees at Headwaters Health in the two communities.