Bring on 2019!
2018 is coming to an end and for healthcare professionals that signals the beginning of a very busy period. Working in the health network means working in a profession where no one can just close up shop and leave on vacation for a few days. Illnesses don’t take vacations, not even during the holidays, and healthcare professionals are there to care for patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
While the last year was quite busy and challenging for nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists, the new local collective agreements should provide some relief. Unfortunately, we have noticed that some employers are putting off applying the agreements. I would like to personally ask all of these stubborn employers to stop hiding behind various pretexts and let healthcare professionals enjoy the positive effects of the new local agreements.
Before the holidays, I will meet with a few government representatives including Danielle McCann, Minister of Health and Social Services, for a second time. I will be sure to remind Ms. McCann that we expect her to quickly address healthcare professionals’ concerns. I will be the voice of the 76,000 members so that the Minister fully realizes it is her duty to achieve results. She needs to make changes and implement solutions to ensure that the coming winter months are nothing like they were last year. It was a period that made many headlines, during which many healthcare professionals, including Émilie Ricard, clearly voiced their distress. If this government truly wishes to make life better for healthcare professionals by cutting down their workload, then there should be no further tolerance for employer improvisation and ineptitude. We will make sure the government sets them straight, otherwise we will denounce them publicly!
Until then, dear healthcare professionals, despite the chaotic period at our doorstep, I would like to wish you quality time with your loved ones. May this holiday season be filled with happiness, love and recognition for the exceptional work you do every day, caring for patients across Quebec.