Lakeridge Health the latest to announce RN layoffs
OSHAWA, ON, Sept. 11, 2020 /CNW/ - Yet another Ontario hospital has issued lay-off notices to front-line registered nurses (RNs) – the very nurses hailed as heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lakeridge Health has informed the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) that it is cutting eight full-time and six part-time RNs from several of its units as it seeks to balance its budget. ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN, has expressed anger that employers are undertaking a round of RN cuts during a pandemic that is far from over.
"News of still more RN layoffs is incredibly disappointing and disheartening," says McKenna. "This is the second time in the space of a week that a large Greater Toronto Area hospital is opting to put money over care. Lakeridge Health is cutting RNs who provide high quality care to patients in the acute medicine unit, surgical program and most alarmingly, the infectious disease clinic. It's truly outrageous that this is the route that management is taking to balance the budget and the residents of Durham Region who rely on Lakeridge for their health-care needs should be very alarmed."
McKenna says that Ontario has yet to take the lessons of research on RN staffing levels to heart. Multiple studies have shown that cutting RN care leads to patients suffering a seven-per-cent increase in morbidity (complications) and mortality (death).
"I am dumbfounded that in the midst of a pandemic, when Ontarians are out thanking front-line nurses for their incredible dedication, courage and skills, that Toronto Rehab and now, Lakeridge Health is cutting the very people who make a difference to their patients' health outcomes and provide such good value. ONA is calling on this government to stop the RN cuts now and urging Ontarians to do the same. This is too important to everyone to stay silent."
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.
For further information: Sheree Bond, [email protected]; (416) 986-8240; Katherine Russo, [email protected]; (647) 539-1925
idontfrickinknowman on September 23rd, 2020 at 15:25 UTC »
But they put up signs in front of hospitals that say “thank you to our health care heroes!” isn’t that better a paycheck??
jocax188723 on September 23rd, 2020 at 12:47 UTC »
Remember, kids, if the media calls you a hero, it means they expect you to die and/or so they can remove you more easily.
See: War veterans, healthcare professionals, teachers who are still working during the pandemic, etc etc.
wiffleplop on September 23rd, 2020 at 11:32 UTC »
Proof, if proof were needed that the loyalty door only swings one way with employers.