HEALTHCARE WORKERS HEAD TO LEGISLATURE TO WARN THAT MOE WILL PRIVATIZE HOSPITAL SECURITY, LOWER SAFETY STANDARDS

Massive Rise in Weapons Seizures, Patient And Worker Safety Concerns In Recent Months

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team was joined today at the Legislature by SEIU‑West healthcare workers raising the alarm about the Sask. Party+’s plans to further privatize healthcare and lower safety standards at Saskatchewan hospitals.

In an RFP set to soon be awarded, Scott Moe’s Sask. Party government is set to sell off hospital security duties to a private company for facilities in Swift Current, La Loche, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Nipawin, Melfort, Kamsack, and Shellbrook.

“Contracting out to low‑paying, private firms that do not have the same duty of care as those employed by the public health authority will not improve health and safety in our facilities,” said Keith Jorgenson, Associate Shadow Health Minister.

“Privatization of hospital services often lower wages, fewer benefits, higher turnover rates, and worse service for patients and staff.”

In Prince Albert, security services at the Victoria Hospital were previously sold off to a private company — a decision that has since come under scrutiny after a man was violently removed from a facility and left face down in snow.

Security services have also been sold off to a private company for the Union Hospital in North Battleford, the very riding of Scott Moe’s Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill.

“Make no mistake, our Security Officers are the first line of defense in our healthcare facilities,” says Lisa Zunti, President of SEIU-West. “They put their lives on the line to protect patients, residents, families, visitors and staff and are integral to the smoot functioning of the buildings where you access healthcare”

“The province went down the road of contemplating privatization of these services in 2018 and should not be going down this road again,” adds Zunti.

“We cannot cheap out and privatize security,” said Nathaniel Teed, Shadow Minister for Labour and Workplace Safety. “We’ve seen a massive rise in weapons seized at emergency rooms in recent months. Workers and patients alike are already telling us they don’t feel safe.

“After 20 years in office, the Sask. Party has given up on fixing our health system and seems content to sell it off piece by piece to the lowest bidder. It’s clearly time for a change.”

Carla Beck’s team is consulting on big, bold change in healthcare. All Saskatchewan people are welcome to have a say at YourCareYourSay.ca.

Premier Scott Moe and his Ministers refused to meet with the delegation of security officers who visited the legislature today.

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