Re: Feb. 18, 2016 - Bending the curve of health care costs.
As president of the BC Nurses' Union, I feel inclined to respond to a recent column by Les Leyne where he states ongoing contract discussions between our union and the government is one of the bigger current cost pressures in the health care sphere.
While BCNU is currently bargaining a new contract for our members, we are also working tirelessly to address a system-wide nursing shortage which has resulted in excessive overtime costs and heavy workloads for nurses across this province.
The bottom line result of insufficient nurses with the time to provide the needed professional nursing care for patients is often more costs as patients reappear in hospital and, at worst, increased mortality rates.
We are proud to be working closely with all levels of government and health authorities to ensure the promise to recruit over 1,600 nursing positions by March 31, 2016 is met. Bringing these additional nurses into the system will allow health employers to keep promises made in our 2012-2014 contract and assist our members as they work to provide safe patient care.
While Health Minister Terry Lake says focusing on home and community care rather than acute-care facilities have helped control costs, we have seen this model, also known as the Home First model, put an increased amount of pressure on our community nurses.
A lack of focus on infrastructure and ensuring there are enough nurses to provide the care has meant unsafe workloads and often, an absence of care for those who need it.
The BCNU believes curbing overtime costs, and applying pressure for the proper hiring and education of nurses is a good investment. Safe patient care is cost effective and we will continue to advocate for all British Columbians.
Gayle Duteil
president, BC Nurses' Union
