Most days at Manitoba’s largest hospital are ‘morally grating,’ says ER nurse at HSC

In a recent interview with CBC Manitoba, a nurse from Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre shared her experience of working in the emergency room during a particularly chaotic shift. The nurse, who has been at HSC for decades, described a scene of understaffing, overcapacity, and a lack of resources that led to 12 solid hours of chaos.

During the shift, the nurse witnessed patients drinking in the waiting room and consuming drugs in the washroom. Despite the overwhelming number of patients, only three out of five nurses were available at the triage desk, working tirelessly without breaks. The nurse expressed concerns about the safety and well-being of both patients and staff in such a chaotic environment.

The nurse highlighted the shortage of staff and beds as major contributing factors to the bedlam in the emergency room. She emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues to improve patient care and staff morale. Patients were often left waiting for extended periods, with some even waiting over 12 days for a bed.

The closure of half of the city’s emergency departments in 2018 has further exacerbated the situation at HSC. With an influx of patients from other facilities, the emergency room has become overwhelmed, leading to delays in care and a lack of resources to adequately address patient needs.

The nurse also raised concerns about the increasing number of homeless individuals seeking shelter in the emergency room. While efforts have been made to provide social workers and security personnel, more support is needed to address the underlying issues contributing to this trend.

Despite some recent initiatives to address capacity issues and improve patient care, the nurse emphasized that significant challenges remain. She called on decision-makers to prioritize the needs of health-care workers and ensure that adequate resources are available to provide quality care to patients.

In conclusion, the nurse’s account sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by front-line workers in Winnipeg’s largest health-care facility. Addressing staffing shortages, improving access to beds, and providing support for vulnerable populations are essential steps to alleviate the chaos in the emergency room and ensure the well-being of both patients and staff.