(December 3, 2022, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay South, says he’s astonished to hear how the Liberal Government has let the needs of respiratory therapists go ignored for so long.

Brazil was responding to comments made by the Association of Allied Health Professionals, who detailed how lower pay, a lack of proactive recruitment, and working conditions are causing an exodus of these therapists from the healthcare system.

“The stories surrounding respiratory therapists are concerning and indicative of just how deep the crisis in the Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare system is rooted. Respiratory therapists perform essential duties in many facets of the healthcare system. For Eastern Health to lose six since September is a major concern,” said Brazil.

“Now, we hear Nova Scotia is getting ahead of recruitment efforts for graduates in respiratory therapists programs before our province even presents an offer. It shows a clear lack of attention to recruitment and retention efforts by this government – it does nothing but create risk for patients.”

Brazil is calling on the Liberal Government to review staffing levels throughout the healthcare system and make public the results.

“Whether it’s respiratory therapists, frontline nurses and paramedics, or even something as fundamental as blood collection, it’s clear the staffing crisis in our healthcare system is at a dire point. The Liberal Government continues to be slow to act to find solutions to the recruitment and retention crisis,” said Brazil.

“It’s time for Furey to be upfront with the people of our province: show us how deep the problem runs, how many vacancies exist in various fields throughout the province. We must know the scale of the problem in order to address it. Let’s be transparent so we can work toward a better healthcare system for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca