(October 29, 2021) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, today reacted to a story from the CBC regarding the ongoing nursing shortage at the Janeway, which has led to 24-hours shifts and a diversion protocol to Halifax as the pediatric intensive care unit nears capacity.

“There is a nursing crisis at the Janeway. Full stop. Everyone in the province can see that except Andrew Furey and John Haggie.”

Brazil noted the only pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) in the province is near capacity and patients are being diverted to Halifax for almost a week.

“Thankfully, no family has had their sick child sent out of the province, yet. However, the Registered Nurses Union and front line nurses have been speaking out for years about the staffing crisis at the Janeway,” said Brazil.

“Sadly, these calls have fallen on deaf ears.”

Brazil noted there have been six 24-hour shifts at the pediatric ICU in the past month which creates a risk for both staff and patients.

“Even the president of Registered Nurses Union has indicated nothing has been done since a committee was established in 2019 to address these issues. This is a stinging condemnation of Minister Haggie.”

“The government of Quebec just recruited over 2500 nurses to their system. It is so frustrating that other provinces are taking action while the Furey government is in denial.”

-30-
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca