(May 10, 2023, St. John’s) – Paul Dinn, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, says nurses are essential to a functioning healthcare system, and they need support to do their essential work.

“On behalf of the PC Official Opposition, I want to thank nurses throughout our province for their tireless efforts to be there when we need them most. Whether providing support in the emergency room or simply being compassionate for their patients at a difficult time, nurses are a critical piece on the frontlines of our healthcare system,” said Dinn.

“On the Liberal Government’s watch, nurses have faced more and more forced overtime, short staffing, and a failure to recruit and retain the professionals needed to support workers in the healthcare system. Nurses deserve a fair deal from the Liberal Government to protect the future of our healthcare system.”

Dinn says nurses have made it clear the challenges they face and they need a government who will listen to and address their concerns.

“According to the Registered Nurses Union, 90% of registered nurses and nurse practitioners have faced burnout due to working conditions. 85% of nurses believe ‘understaffing is creating unsafe conditions’ in our healthcare system,” said Dinn.

“Nurses know what support they need to continue their critical work. The Liberal Government has been slow to come to a fair deal to support nurses in our province. It’s time to listen – really, listen to their concerns and work to ensure a fully staffed healthcare system that helps workers and patients alike.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca