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HSABC hosts summit on workplace violence for RPNs

HSABC is holding a solutions-oriented Summit on Violence in the Workplace for its RPN members as a way to address the growing problem of violence in health care settings.

Vancouver (20 Aug. 2015) — The Health Sciences Association of British Columbia (HSABC/NUPGE) is taking concerns about workplace violence against health care workers very seriously. The union has decided to hold a solutions-oriented Summit on Violence in the Workplace on Thursday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the HSABC office in New Westminster. 

This summit will be focused on RPNs. All HSABC/NUPGE RPNs are invited to attend. 

All too common an occurrence

Just last week the union learned of another instance of violence in the workplace. Another Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) was assaulted on the job. 

HSABC/NUPGE feels that these situations are all too common. But the union knows that violence in the workplace does not need to be inevitable.
 
Workplace violence can be prevented with proper planning, protocols and procedures that involve meaningful input from front-line health care workers. 

Building on the momentum 

Last December, HSABC President Val Avery called on British Columbia's Minister of Health to hold an emergency Health Care Summit on violence in the workplace.
 
The Minister responded to Avery's call and convened a day-long meeting in April. Frontline health care workers, representatives from other health care unions, health authorities, occupational health and safety experts and other industry stakeholders were in attendance.
 
As a recognized leader in health care, the HSABC/NUPGE was invited to deliver a presentation focused on the gaps in practices to prevent violence, and to offer solutions to improve the experience of health care workers and patients.
 
A summary report on that summit is expected from the Ministry this fall. HSABC/NUPGE wants to continue to build on this momentum.

Open to all HSABC's RPN members

Registration for the September 10 summit is open now.
 
All HSABC/NUPGE's RPN members are invited to attend.

Union paid leave will be provided for members, with travel and accommodation expenses covered for members traveling in from out of town. Members should request union paid leave through the employer if the summit falls on their regularly scheduled day of work.

Additional supports are available for members requiring child care or dependent care or to address other barriers to participation.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE