Hi everyone,
Earlier this week, I met with the Liberal, NDP and Green MPP candidates for the Kitchener Center riding. This is the riding that SMGH is located in. I delivered the banners to these candidates with your signatures on them from one of our recent petitions. A member from 500 Medicine was able to join me to deliver 2 out of the 3 banners and helped me advocate for safe nurse to patient ratios. These candidates all indicated that they support the work that we do and see the value in having safe staffing ratios for safe patient care. I have attached some photos so that you can see the outcome of your action. Something as simple as signing your name helps us push for the changes we know are needed to ensure a sustainable future for nurses and healthcare. I wanted to share this with you because I want you to see your efforts in action!
In response to a media release sent by the Ontario Hospital Association today denigrating nurse staffing ratios, ONA has posted a media statement response. This Toronto Star article illuminates the challenges we face every. single. day. and shows more truth than the OHA statement to the reality of what is actually happening in hospitals currently. The timing of the OHA's statement couldn't have made it more obvious how political things are. Their words - as usual - are completely disrespectful and out of touch with reality. Unfortunately, the OHA is not this "separate" entity to each individual hospital. Every hospital CEO, administrator, and HR for the hospital answer to the OHA. The decisions made are not made in a silo. They are collectively made by these decision makers and their decisions directly impact the work we do, the care we give, and the safety of our patients. As nurses, it is our duty to advocate for our patients - it's a nursing standard. It appears we are at the point of advocating in ways that are seemingly "unconventional." Conventional methods are being disregarded by decision-makers. It is up to you and every single other ONA member, along with other healthcare workers, to stand up and fight for our rights, and for the care and safety our patients deserve! ONA 55 will share upcoming opportunities to stand up for what we believe in!
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
In solidarity,
Steph