(February 24, 2023, St. John’s) – Paul Dinn, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, says an increasing nursing shortage is creating more and more strain on a healthcare system deep in crisis.

“The Registered Nurses Union says in the last six months, there has been a 22 percent increase in vacancies for nursing positions in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a shocking statistic, bringing the total vacancies in our province to 750,” said Dinn.

“Nurses are an essential part of our healthcare system, allowing procedures to take place, staffing long-term care beds, and the countless ways they ensure patients have the best experience they can within out healthcare system. For the Liberal Government to allow such an exodus of nurses is shameful.”

Dinn says retention of nurses in our healthcare system is crucial to bringing our healthcare crisis to an end.

“The RNU says their members (RNs and nurse practitioners) are the lowest paid in the country. Compensation is only one part of the picture, but it demonstrates the difficulty in attracting and retaining professionals to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dinn.

“The Liberal Government has sat back and watched while doctors retire without replacement, while nurses seek other arrangements or other careers, and while patients sit for hours in emergency departments. It’s time for the Liberal Government to listen to those on the front lines and find real solutions to retain healthcare staff, ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is an attractive place to practice, and retain experienced staff within our healthcare system.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca