REGINA - In view of today’s report of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), Official Opposition Leader Ryan Meili and Critic for Health Vicki Mowat called on the Sask. Party to acknowledge and address the chronic staffing crisis afflicting nurses and the health system.
“Saskatchewan nurses are unequivocal: they're ‘demoralized, exhausted, and losing confidence in provincial leadership,’” Meili said. “When faced with regular short-staffing, packed waiting rooms, and no immediate relief in sight it's no small wonder nurses are leaving in droves.”
68 per cent of nurses surveyed by SUN reported being dissatisfied with the Premier and Minister of Health. 89.2 per cent say there is currently a shortage of registered nurses available to cover absences or to meet higher service demands. And 57.4 per cent say they’ve considered stepping away from registered nursing in the past 12 months.
“We’ve seen report after report, testimony upon testimony, and with each revelation a provincial government determined to pretend all is normal,” Mowat said. “Now is the time for the Sask. Party to finally step up and fix our crumbling health system. That starts with supporting nurses.”
The Official Opposition calls on the provincial government to amend its budget in line with the myriad concerns raised by SUN and immediately tackle the healthcare staffing crisis.
-30-