NUPGE Healthcare Survey Results are Here!
On behalf of the National Union, we would like to thank you for participating in our recent NUPGE Healthcare Member Survey. 6,416 of you took the time to share your firsthand experiences and insights, helping to tell the story in the most powerful way of what health professionals are facing every day across our country. I am particularly thankful that the public will finally get to hear and learn about the people who care for them every day. Your union will be using this data to amplify your voice, bring attention to the critical work you do and to advocate for meaningful change with employers, governments and other stakeholders.
We heard that you are committed to providing high standards of care, and you value a health system that is accessible to everyone. But, you are facing significant workplace challenges that jeopardize your well-being and the ability to provide the care you know is needed. Staffing shortages, heavy workloads, inadequate wages and a lack of recognition are top concerns.
We heard that
- The vast majority of you (78%) feel you are making a difference, and many of you feel a sense of accomplishment (64%) and importance (59%).
- A strong sense of purpose and meaning motivates you, with 96% of you finding fulfilment in your roles, 93% believing your efforts lead to positive patient outcomes, and 86% of you feeling part of a team and maintaining enthusiasm for your work (83%).
- You have a strong belief in the public health system (61%) that allows for equitable care to those who need it.
But I don’t need to tell you that there is bad news, too.
- Approximately 9 in 10 of you report the healthcare system is in crisis in your province (89%).
- More than half of you (55%) say that you are often or always feeling understaffed. Four-in-five of you (80%) report that working short-staffed causes moderate or severe effects on their health. And more than half (61%) report that you are experiencing heavy workloads and burnout.
- There is a desperate need to retain workers like you in our health system and for this to happen, you need better wages, benefits, and pensions (93%), increased staffing levels (91%) and an improved work-life balance (91%).
- You report that we need to address labour shortages and almost all of you (97%) believe this can be achieved through collaboration between stakeholders.
You can read the entire survey here and your Component has the full analysis for your province.
Today, we are launching the findings to the public, and again I cannot thank you enough for your valuable input. Your work and your voice are essential if we are to solve this health care crisis.
Please visit NUPGE’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky and share with your communities.
In solidarity,
Bert Blundon
NUPGE President