A warning that staffing in Ontario hospitals could get worse.
The Ontario Nurses Association represents more than 68,000 nurses and healthcare professionals in the province.
According to data from the College of Nurses of Ontario, nearly 8,000 nurses left the profession last year.
President Erin Ariss is reaching out to the provincial government to reverse the trend by committing to significant and stable funding.
Speaking to the legislative committee holding a pre-budget hearing in Thunder Bay, President Erin Ariss says many hospitals are not upfront with how they are using government money.
“This government must ensure that funding is increased and spent as intended,” says Ariss.
“Funding for clinical hours must be spent on frontline care in its entirety, not IT projects, more management positions, or other non-clinical projects.”
Ariss also advocates for staffing ratios to help retain nurses and attract back those who have left because of working conditions.
The practice is used in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and most recently in Manitoba.
“Nurse to patient ratios improve safety, reduce burnout and improve retention and recruitment,” says Ariss.
“Jurisdictions with ratios see a substantial increase in nurse retention. We need legislated ratios here in Ontario to make our workplaces safer.”
Hospitals have argued against staffing ratios, saying they need the flexibility.
Ariss feels it can save money and improve patient care.
