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New P.E.I. health care model creating a lot of stress

'This is not acceptable and it does not bode well for Islanders.' - PEIUPSE.

Charlottetown (27 May 2010) - The new model of care being implemented by P.E.I.'s Ghiz government is creating a lot of stress among health care workers, says the Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees (PEIUPSE/NUPGE). 

The union says it supports the idea that health care workers should be utilized to provide the full range of services that they are trained and qualified to deliver. 

"For many years Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have been underutilized," it notes. "A strong health care system depends on everyone working to their full potential. Therefore, we believe it is good that the new model of care recognizes an increased scope of practice for licenced practical nurses (LPNs) in relation to their education and training."

However, the union also believes that government should refrain from eliminating "any and all nursing positions" as the model of care is implemented.

"This system is supposed to be about properly utilizing resources, not cutting them back," says the union.

"Unfortunately, we already see the Ghiz government using the introduction of the model of care as an opportunity to eliminate vacant registered nurse (RN) and LPN positions. This is not acceptable and it does not bode well for Islanders who are already facing severe challenges in having their health care needs met."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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