Ontario Nurses’ Association is “cautiously optimistic” about the four hours of hands-on care for residents in long-term care

TORONTO November 2, 2020 – The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is pleased to learn of the government’s proposal to increase direct hours of care for residents in long-term care to four hours per day.

However, the proposed amount of time that the government said is needed to implement this staffing model – up to four years – is unreasonable and can be done at a much quicker pace.

“We are cautiously optimistic about the four hours of direct care for our residents,” notes ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN. “However, the devil is in the details. We are interested to learn about how the four hours will be delegated among various staff roles including front-line registered nurses, registered practical nurses, and personal support workers; and whether there will be improvements in overall full-time staffing.”

McKenna noted that the timelines for implementation could be tightened. “Four years to implement this program is much too long, and our residents need help immediately. Implementation must begin now.”

She adds, “I hope this announcement is the start of action and the end to the delays. Those who work in long-term care are passionate about their residents and the care they provide. Our long-term care residents deserve no less than excellent quality care, dignity and respect.”

ONA is the union representing more than 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

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For more information: Katherine Russo katheriner@ona.org; 647-539-1925