Healthcare professionals on the front line of the battle against COVID-19
While the number of people infected by COVID-19 is increasing every day in Quebec, the FIQ believes it is essential that all government resources, like those of the Federation, focus on supporting healthcare professionals so that they can offer safe, quality care to patients. Consequently, the FIQ has agreed to suspend all activities related to provincial negotiations.
“This situation is exceptional and the 76,000 nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists are already on the firing line where they will remain for the coming weeks. They will be providing care to patients, including those infected, conducting screening activities and informing the public. As always, our members will be holding down the fort for their patients and the Quebec population,” explained FIQ President Nancy Bédard.
Essential conditions
To ensure the health, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, the government has agreed to work with the FIQ in the coming hours and days.
“It is crucial that we implement every possible measure to support healthcare professionals, as a government and a society, especially to facilitate family-work balance,” insisted Ms. Bédard.
The FIQ proposed structural measures that will enable members to work in the best possible conditions and to attract any additional staff that the network will need.
The FIQ has requested that all non-essential and non-priority activities be cancelled in all healthcare institutions in Quebec, as generally happens during the summer period.
“We must give health network staff room to breathe, be flexible and allocate resources to the right places. We also expect the government to send a clear message to employers to ensure that information is continuously passed onto our members,” explained the FIQ President.
The government must also offer childcare services starting on Monday morning to all healthcare professionals. For some, it’s absolutely essential in order for them to be able to go to work. The Premier agreed to quickly fulfil this request.