HEALTHCARE NEWS

BCHS leadership has worked with the ED nurses and implemented several strategies to resolve many of the concerns, including, but not limited to:

•Adding a variety of interprofessional positions, including nursing, over the past four years, (April 2020 through March 2024) at a cost of $3 1 million annually,

•Implementing 24/7 security coverage in the ED,

•Investing over $1 million in the past five years on vital equipment required in ED,

•Providing financial support for mandatory nurse training and professional development from 2022 onwards,

•Introducing new programs for recruitment and career growth for nursing staff (Nursing Graduate Guarantee Program, The Community Commitment Nursing Program, The Supervised Practice Experience Program, Clinical Externs Program, Clinical Scholar Program),

•Working with Ontario Health to participate in the Virtual Emergency Department Nursing Onboarding Program, and

•Undertaking a $32.5 million renovation to the ED.

These strategies and investments have seen tangible improvements including:

•Dramatic decrease in ED RN staff turnover rate, with it falling over the past three fiscal years from 38.1% to only 9 13% in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, well below the 12% target

•Reduced shift RN vacancy rate over the past six months, notably the day shifts vacancy was 5.6% and that was even lower on the night shifts with a 4 3% vacancy rate The highest vacancy rate during this period was 10% for one month and the lowest was 0%, no vacancies.

“We know that the staff who work in our emergency department face incredible pressures, are required to make timely and critical decisions, and deal with traumatic situations on a daily basis. The ED relies on an interprofessional team and our community partners to deliver care and work effectively. The environment is busy, complex, challenging and pressure packed,” said Beth Morris, Interim Chief Nursing Officer

She noted that the hospital’s administrative leaders have confidence in the ED leadership team as they continue to be supportive of the nurses and the entire unit to address concerns and issues to improve their work environment.

“We would like to thank our nurses, the IAC and ONA for the opportunity to address these concerns,” said Morris. “The BCHS leadership team remains committed to navigating these challenges and working collaboratively with our nursing staff to provide high-quality care to our patients.”