The healthcare landscape in Ontario is facing a critical juncture as staffing shortages impact patient care across various health institutions. From Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie, the strain on healthcare workers is evident, and unions are calling for immediate solutions to address these issues.
Staffing Challenges at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC):
The Ontario Nurses’ Association, representing nurses at KHSC, highlights a concerning staffing shortage that is significantly affecting patient care. Since 2018, staff at KHSC have submitted nearly 400 patient workload complaints due to escalating duties. In 2018, each registered nurse cared for around four patients, but now, it is not uncommon for them to manage eight to ten patients per shift. This increase in workload is leading to delays in responding to patient needs, administering medications, and other critical aspects of care.
The Ontario Nurses’ Association, led by Erin Ariss, has pursued a rigorous process to address these concerns. When workload complaints or patient safety issues arise, conversations occur at the unit level with a program manager. If no resolution is reached, the issues escalate to a hospital association committee, and if necessary, a provincial specialist is brought in. As a last resort, an independent committee is called upon to investigate and make recommendations. In the current case, the independent committee’s investigation concluded in November, with recommendations expected in January.
Jason Hann, KHSC’s chief nurse executive, acknowledges the staffing challenges not only at KHSC but across Ontario. Citing a projected shortage of 33,000 nurses and personal support workers in the province by 2028, Hann outlines efforts to address the issue. Despite a registered nurse vacancy rate of 17.5% in March, KHSC saw improvement, with the rate dropping to 13% by October. The hospital increased the number of patient care assistants in 2022 and offered signing bonuses and relocation benefits to attract healthcare professionals.
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s Redirect Due to Physician Shortage:
In another instance, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie redirected obstetrical and midwifery patients to other health centers due to a physician shortage. This move highlights the broader issue of workforce challenges throughout Ontario’s healthcare system.
The staffing challenges faced by healthcare institutions in Ontario pose a significant threat to patient care. While efforts are being made to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, the demand continues to outpace supply. The union’s call for urgent action emphasizes the need for systemic changes, adequate resources, and improved working conditions to ensure the well-being of both healthcare workers and patients.
For healthcare institutions navigating staffing challenges and seeking tailored solutions, Directpath Canada stands ready to offer support. Our expertise in global recruitment and workforce solutions can assist healthcare organizations in addressing critical staffing needs. Explore the comprehensive services provided by Directpath Canada and partner with us to ensure the resilience and effectiveness of your healthcare team.
Jon Eric de Belen, RCIC
