Rally at Niagara Health System
21 Jun 07 --The censure is in response to the hospital's poor labour relations practices, including below acceptable nurse-to-patient ratios, outstanding grievances, and safety concerns in the workplace. Unfortunately, no substantial improvements have been made to ONA members' working conditions at NHS since the censure was first issued in 2003.
“We're here today to deliver a message to the residents of Niagara Region,” ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud told the enthusiastic flag-waving crowd of more than 100. “The Niagara Health System is putting your health care at risk!”
Amidst cheers of Who cares for health care? Nurses care for health care! Haslam-Stroud revealed that there are more than 120 job vacancies at the NHS, resulting in our 1,200 registered nurses working excessive overtime to try to provide adequate nursing care for patients.
“Our members' working conditions are intolerable and we're here to say enough is enough!” she added. “Nurses see ways to improve care for patients and procedures for the hospital, but by not listening, the Niagara Health System is actually letting the chaos continue, prompting us to take this issue straight to the community.”
As passing cars honked loudly in support, rally participants handed out flyers, soliciting the public's assistance in writing to the hospital's CEO and local MPPs.
“Look, here comes another patient now,” Haslam-Stroud concluded as an ambulance drove into the emergency department. “Let's hope that patient gets the care he or she needs.”