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"We are pleased to see acknowledgement of many of these issues and a timeline to address funding and staffing, quality of care, and accountability in the sector.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
Vancouver (13 March 2017) — The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) feels that the government's announcement of $500 million to strengthen care for B.C. seniors represents a significant step toward addressing many of the most pressing needs in seniors’ care.
“Our union has long advocated for the Ministry of Health to address staffing guidelines, care hours and funding for long-term care homes,” said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President. “We are pleased to see acknowledgement of many of these issues and a timeline to address funding and staffing, quality of care, and accountability in the sector.”
BCGEU/NUPGE will analyze details and determine the effects on seniors and members' work
Details of the funding announcement were accompanied by the release of a staffing review, produced by Dr. Darryl Plecas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors, which formed the basis for the funding plan. Representatives from the BCGEU/NUPGE met with Dr. Plecas and were hopeful that the report would address the concerns that they've raised.
In the coming weeks, the BCGEU/NUPGE's elected leadership and members in the health sector will work to analyze details of the action plan and the staffing report. In doing so, they will determine what these changes mean for members’ work, for improving levels of care for seniors, and creating safe and healthy work environments.
The BCGEU/NUPGE represents over 16,000 workers in various health sectors.