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Manitoba Nurses: ERs Running on Half Staff
17 Jan
Summary
- Swan River ER operates with 50% nurse vacancy.
- Some shifts in Swan River have no nurses at all.
- Dauphin's special care unit suspended due to staff shortages.
The emergency department at the Swan River hospital is facing severe staffing shortages, operating with a 50% nurse vacancy rate. The Manitoba Nurses Union highlights that some shifts are left with no nurses, a situation worsened by the provincial government's recent decision to reduce reliance on private nursing agencies. This transition, which began on Thursday, involves working with only four approved agencies instead of nearly 80.
Prairie Mountain Health confirmed the 50% vacancy in Swan River's ER, though they stated no procedures or appointments were cancelled due to shortages. Meanwhile, Dauphin's hospital has temporarily suspended its four-bed special care unit because of staffing issues, with patients potentially being transferred. These shortages in western Manitoba communities predate the recent changes in nursing agency contracts.
The provincial government aims for improved stability by encouraging nurses to join remaining agencies or the public travel nurse program. However, the union fears this disruption will further strain rural facilities. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara has stated that the public travel nurse team has significantly grown, but acknowledged that rebuilding staff levels will require time and patience.
