Hundreds of nurses rally outside Ontario hospitals to demand safer staffing levels
Nurses from across Ontario gathered outside various hospitals on Thursday to advocate for improved staffing levels in healthcare facilities. The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), representing over 68,000 registered nurses, healthcare professionals, and student affiliates, called for hospital CEOs to implement nurse-to-patient staffing ratios to enhance the quality of patient care.
Liz Romano, an intensive care nurse with almost 45 years of experience at Toronto General Hospital and bargaining unit president for the ONA, emphasized the importance of safe staffing in saving lives and retaining nursing staff. Romano highlighted the benefits of nurse-to-patient ratios in reducing patient complications and mortality rates, as well as improving nurse recruitment and retention. The ONA proposed ratios of 1:4 for acute surgery and medical floors and 1:1 for intensive care units, aiming to include these ratios in their contract negotiations.
Erin Ariss, provincial president of the ONA, pointed out that Ontario currently lacks nurse-to-patient ratios in its hospitals and faces a shortage of 25,000 registered nurses. Ariss emphasized that appropriate staffing levels are essential for providing optimal patient care and reducing nurse workloads.
The ONA organized rallies at 26 locations across Ontario, including nine in Toronto, as part of their push for nurse-to-patient ratios in the collective bargaining agreement with the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA). Talks between the two parties broke down in February, leading to binding arbitration next month.
Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner joined the nurses at the rally to show support for their cause. Schreiner highlighted the need to prioritize healthcare workers’ well-being and called for increased funding for healthcare to ensure safe working conditions and patient care.
In response to the ONA’s demands, Kirk LeMessurier, spokesperson for the OHA, emphasized the importance of reaching a realistic agreement that considers hospital funding constraints while prioritizing patient care. He highlighted the necessity of flexibility in staffing decisions to meet evolving patient needs.
Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones’ spokesperson, Hannah Jensen, highlighted the province’s record investments in healthcare and efforts to expand the nursing workforce. Jensen mentioned initiatives to support nursing education and remove barriers for internationally and interprovincially educated nurses, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system.
Overall, the ONA’s advocacy for nurse-to-patient ratios reflects a broader push for improved staffing levels and better working conditions for healthcare professionals across Ontario. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on ensuring quality patient care and supporting the dedicated nurses who play a vital role in the healthcare system.
