(June 16, 2021) – Paul Dinn, PC Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services, is echoing concerns from the Registered Nurses Union (RNU) that we are close to a breaking point for nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Yesterday, RNU President Yvette Coffey stated to local media that, “…we have a provincial nursing crisis on our hands right now…” in light of a critical shortage of nursing staff in our province. She further stated that, “The things that are being discussed right now, the reduction in services, is not, and I do repeat not, related to vacation and collective agreements.”

“The crucial role that our nurses play in our healthcare system is undeniable. This provincial government must step up to fix the conditions of overwork and shortages throughout our system. Inaction by this government is threatening the integrity of our ability to deliver healthcare in this province,” said Dinn.

“Is a critical shortage of nurses making the backlog of medical procedures, due to COVID-19, even worse?”

Just this past week it has been revealed that both St. Anthony and Carbonear hospitals will see capacity reductions. This is following reports of chronic staffing issues at four long-term care facilities in St. John’s, forcing nurses to work 16 – 24 hour shifts.

“How can we possibly expect our nurses to bear the brunt of this understaffing and outrageous work hours? They put their lives on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic, they sacrificed time with their family to run vaccination clinics, they traveled to help those abroad, and this is how government repays them? It is shameful,” said Dinn.

“We should do what we can to encourage nurses to want to work and stay here in this province, not contributing to their burnout and exodus from the profession and province.”

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca