H1N1 Pandemic

Campaign prevented an estimated 900,000 cases of flu, 105,080 visits to doctors, 28,721 emergency visits, 427 hospitalizations, 52 deaths and saved $20 million.

The second wave of the H1N1 flu virus outbreak has tapered off, but the Public Health Agency of Canada is urging Canadians to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their families in the fight against the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu.

'Normal human resource practices' have now resumed across the province.

Covers rescheduling of staff to respond to absenteeism resulting from the flu pandemic.

President Shelley Ward says it is 'simply the safest thing to do' in the circumstances. A decision will be made later on when to reschedule.

Threatening more cuts and layoffs and creating a chill in labour relations.

Union accepts request from Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations (NSAHO) to devote full public resources to the situation.

'Canada needs to have a planned and coordinated approach in place so that federal, provincial and municipal agencies know what part they will play in managing a crisis.' - Sheila Fraser.

'When you receive your H1N1 vaccination, you will also be offered vaccination against seasonal flu.'

Advises workers with family services and housing department to 'hold off' until more information is available.

'It is such an honour to come together on something so important to all of us – our members and our families.' - Joan Jessome, NSGEU president.

The Canadian Press is reporting that a leaked internal government report warns that the B.C. health system could be overwhelmed by a surge in critically ill patients at the peak of this flu season. 

Public Health Agency of Canada says pregnant women, people with chronic conditions, children six months to five years old, people living in remote communities and health care workers will be invited to get vaccinated first.

Lone janitors cannot do all the extra bathroom and desk cleaning now being demanded of them.

The money will go towards purchasing vaccine, anti-viral drugs, masks, gloves and gowns, as well as hiring more staff to care for the sick.

Working with health and social development departments to come up with a plan in case centres are forced to close.

NUPGE has already asked the Public Health Agency of Canada to issue 'fit-tested NIOSH approved N95 respirators' to all health care workers exposed to the H1N1 flu virus.

PHAC should follow the 'precautionary principle' for everyone who comes in direct contact with the pandemic influenza virus and make a 'fit-tested NIOSH approved N95 respirator' available to each employee.

Canada's approach to vaccinating people against swine flu is too slow to protect the most vulnerable, an editorial in Monday's Canadian Medical Association Journal says.

MGEU and other health care unions address health and safety concerns relating to flu outbreak.

Article alarms the public irresponsibly and unfairly maligns some of the most dedicated workers in Canada.

International group of experts recommend health care workers be first in line for vaccine.  At the same time, governments in Canada are developing new rules to help doctors prioritize who gets access to scarce treatment if vaccine isn't available.

Exposed to risk doing daily diagnostic tests.

Longer-term response now required to deal with outbreak that may last months or years.

'I think we need to look at our whole system and re-evaluate how these calls come in.' - Tim Scharer, Winnipeg Paramedics Local 911.