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The MGEU/NUPGE has spoken out about cuts that are driven by the bottom line instead of patient care. The union will continue to urge the Premier and Minister of Health to reverse health care cuts that are putting patient care in jeopardy.
Winnipeg (28 Nov. 2017) — Forty personal care homes in Winnipeg have had thousands of dollars cut from their budgets. The .25 per cent funding cut was revealed on November 23 in the Manitoba legislature. It may not sound significant at first, but when you add up the cuts, they total $1 million.
Cuts to services continue to compromise seniors' care
“This is a significant hit to our seniors living in personal care homes,” said Michelle Gawronsky, President of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE). “Our members who work in these facilities will tell you that resources are already stretched thin. For example, due to staffing shortages, there is less time to give baths, plan activities for residents to keep their minds engaged and ensure all rooms are thoroughly cleaned. Everything is being rushed.”
The MGEU/NUPGE has over 40,000 members, many of whom work in personal care throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba.
$83 million already taken from budgets
Earlier this year, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority was ordered by the government to cut its budget by $83 million. The MGEU/NUPGE has spoken out about cuts that are driven by the bottom line instead of patient care. The union will continue to urge the Premier and Minister of Health to reverse health care cuts that are putting patient care in jeopardy.
Gawronsky also noted that the funding cuts have impacted everything from the availability of much needed supplies to the loss of important therapy services in many personal care homes.
“In some cases, we’re hearing that workers don’t have proper gloves available to them. I know at one of the facilities the employer has not filled a rehab therapy position due to the budget cuts,” said Gawronsky. “This means residents who have suffered a stroke or, have broken a bone, no longer have access to range of motion exercises to help them in their recovery. This is no way to treat our seniors.”
Find out more about the personal care homes affected by cuts.