The long-awaited core staffing review for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has been released.
Stakeholder groups, including many of the province’s most prominent unions, were getting briefed on the report and its contents last week – but until now the document had not been released publicly.
Government says the review assesses the minimum levels and skill mix needed to meet patient care needs.
The review includes a study of staffing models for the various nursing classifications and personal care attendants across six sites, as well as a guide to inform the evaluation of other NLHS sites.
The report includes 21 recommendations in four areas. Those are enabling staff to work to full value, stabilizing and sustaining core staffing, and reducing the structural load on staffing.
Minister of Health and Community Services Joedy Wall (VOCM News)
Health minister Joedy Wall says government is working through the recommendations now and speaking with the unions that represent workers.
He addresses concerns raised last week by CUPE president Sherry Hillier, who says she is “deeply concerned” about some of the proposed changes, including expanded duties for some workers.
Wall says “that is not the case,” saying they want to make sure people are working to their full potential and that there are enough workers in each classification.
The review can be read online.
