Diodati hospitalized with pneumonia
Jim Diodati is getting an insider’s view of health care in Niagara.
And he’s doing it the hard way. The Niagara Falls mayor has been in a hospital bed since the weekend.
“I was admitted to Greater Niagara General Hospital Sunday after fighting pneumonia for weeks and getting much worse,” he said, via text messaging.
“From there they transferred me to St. Catharines to be treated for pericarditis as well. Getting tests, biopsies, etc., to determine exactly what is going on and why.”
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart, usually caused by a viral infection.
Staff and care at both sites has been “outstanding,” said Diodati, 52, adding the plan is for him to be released next week.
“We only seem to hear about the negatives, but I’ve witnessed first-hand some great health care here in Niagara.”
He said he is grateful for the best wishes he’s received from people, but added he’s been ordered to rest and have no visitors.
“I do appreciate all of the prayers, please keep them coming, they are helping,” he said.
He also used his hospital stay to stress what he said is the need for a new south Niagara hospital to be built.
“Health care has come a long way in Niagara and this clearly further illustrates the need to get the new site built in Niagara Falls ASAP,” he texted. “And I will continue that fight once I’m back on my feet.”
The former Liberal provincial government pledged to build the new hospital by 2023 at the Montrose and Biggar roads site in Niagara Falls.
Diodati said the change of government earlier this year, with the Progressive Conservatives taking charge at Queen’s Park, shouldn’t change things.
“We’re full steam ahead,” he texted. “I met with (Premier) Doug Ford twice prior to the election and he spoke to me in support of the new hospital, and again said it publicly.
“I’m certain that he will keep his word.”
Diodati will seek re-election on Oct. 22.