The characterization is contained in a letter sent last week by Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union president Sandra Mullen to the CEO of Nova Scotia’s health authority Karen Oldfield
Mullen said in the Jan. 9 letter that staff initially drawn to the department at the Halifax Infirmary by a $5,000 recruitment bonus quickly leave when they realize they could be risking their license because patient loads don’t allow them to meet their standards of practice.“What they described to me is quite simply the complete unravelling of the major trauma centre for the Atlantic provinces,” wrote Mullen.
“While money alone will not solve this problem altogether … Financial incentives may very well stop the hemorrhaging and allow the emergency department to get through this period of crisis so that other, longer-term solutions can be implemented,” she wrote. He said the union has been told the recent staff vacancy rate at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department has been about 30 per cent “on any given day.”
The union also asks that managers with nursing backgrounds be used to help fill in during “periods of crisis” and that a public campaign be launched to inform the public on what types of illnesses or injuries are appropriate for emergency department care.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Union calls Halifax hospital emergency department ‘revolving door’ of staff - Halifax | Globalnews.caAs pressure continues to mount on hospital emergency rooms in Nova Scotia, staffing levels at a major Halifax emergency department are being described as a 'revolving door.'
Read more »
Halifax population increased by more than 20,000 people in 2022 - Halifax | Globalnews.caHalifax and Moncton were the fastest-growing urban regions in Canada last year. Improvements to infrastructure will be necessary to keep up with the growing population.
Read more »
Emergency departments are in a state of crisis, Halifax ER chief says - Halifax | Globalnews.caThe head of emergency medicine for Halifax says it's in a state of 'crisis' amid a shortage of nurses, physicians and hospital beds, and with a rise in patients with complex needs.
Read more »
SaltWire Today: Your online Halifax newscast | SaltWireYour online Halifax newscast for January 12, 2023.
Read more »
Halifax is the second-fastest growing city in the country | SaltWirePopulation data shows municipality grew by 20,713 people in 2021-22
Read more »
Emergency departments are in a state of crisis, Halifax ER chief saysData released Wednesday shows that deaths in Nova Scotia emergency departments were up 10 per cent in 2022 from the previous year
Read more »