Staffing shortages at Kamloops hospital 'worse and worse by the day': MLAs
Staffing shortages and the workplace culture at a B.C. hospital were heavily criticized Thursday by two MLAs who say immediate action needs to be taken before the situation gets even worse.
Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar and Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone spoke publicly about their concerns over conditions at Royal Inland Hospital. The pair said nurses from the facility are coming forward "in huge numbers" and provided data suggesting how dire circumstances are at the hospital.
"The situation at Royal Inland Hospital has been worsening over the last four to five years and it will continue to get worse if action isn't taken to make it better," Stone said, adding that staffing shortages have created what he called a "toxic workplace."
"It is time for the minister of health to start listening to these health-care workers and take the appropriate actions to rectify the situation."
Stone said data was provided "on a confidential basis" about the current staffing situation at the hospital and was told staffing levels in the emergency room were at 46 per cent during the day on Saturday.
Additionally, Stone said there was a callout to fill more than 400 shifts over the next month. As of Thursday morning, just 10 of those were filled by nurses, he said.
"Frankly, the Interior Health administration has known of the challenges with staffing levels," Stone said. "They have known of the huge retention issues. They have known of the challenges recruiting to ensure baseline resourcing in our hospital in unit after unit, ward after ward for years."
In a statement to CTV News Vancouver, Interior Health said it didn't have a breakdown of staffing in each department, but said Royal Inland Hospital as a whole was staffed between 76 and 78 per cent on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The health authority said it asked staff throughout the region to voluntarily redeploy to Kamloops for the long weekend, when it normally sees "a surge in patients." In all, 20 people were assigned to support Royal Inland Hospital.
Both Stone and Milobar called on the province to respond to the staffing situation.
"The (health) minister needs to step in immediately and take actions or the premier needs to find a health minister that will," Milobar said.
The Health Ministry has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Stone and Milobar, who are both Opposition Liberals, shared a list of recommended actions. They include a human resources plan for the hospital "with a focus on retention and recruitment." Also recommended is an overhaul of the human resources structure at the hospital, which they say "clearly isn't working."
The Liberals also called for more operating hours in Kamloops and a solution "to the family doctor crisis," which they say will reduce pressure on hospital resources.
Interior Health responded to these recommendations, saying it already has a human-resource strategy in place "focused on retention and recruitment." So far this year, more than 50 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and health-care assistants have been hired for Royal Inland specifically.
The health authority said it met with nursing staff from the hospital on Thursday "to hear their perspectives and better understand the root causes of some of these issues."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
For moms-to-be, it's possible to take maternity leave without breaking the bank
Pregnancy is often an exciting and anxious time for parents-to-be. And while painting the nursery and choosing a stroller are typically on the agenda, experts say preparing financially for a maternity leave can help reduce stress later on as well.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Questlove was not happy with Drake and Kendrick Lamar's beef: 'Nobody won the war'
While some may have been excited and/or amused by the diss-track feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the man many consider to be an elder statesman of hip-hop appears less than enthused about it.
Israel orders new evacuations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah as it prepares to expand operations
Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Saturday, forcing tens of thousands more people to move as it prepares to expand its operation and adding that it is also moving into an area in northern Gaza where Hamas has regrouped.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.