St. John’s, NL (March 26, 2025) – Barry Petten, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Conception Bay South, condemned the Liberals for not listening to The Registered Nurses Union who have repeatedly raised alarms about the state of nursing in the province.

“Anyone who has visited an emergency room has witnessed patients lying in stretchers in hallways. Our hospitals are operating over capacity. Nurses are stretched too thin, facing violence and burnout,” said Petten. “The Registered Nurses Union continues to put forward solutions, but the Liberals are not listening. The Minister continues to defend the current situation.”

Petten referenced one specific media report which indicated eleven registered nurses left a surgical unit at St. Clare’s due to working conditions, only to be replaced by private agency nurses.

“These compassionate nurses did not leave because everything is great,” quipped Petten. “How many more nurses will retire or resign before the Liberals finally take action?”

The Progressive Conservative Party has advocated for a Health Human Resource Plan which would identify how many nurses and other health professionals are needed, where they are needed, and when they are needed.

“Unfortunately, after a decade in power, the Liberals have done nothing to improve staffing ratios, workload issues, and violence in the workplace. A Health Human Resource Plan would not only increase the number of health professionals in the province but would ensure that all health care professionals are properly supported,” continued Petten.

“A healthcare system which has properly supported nurses and healthcare professionals, and where their concerns are listened to and addressed, will deliver better healthcare for all of us,” concluded Petten.