Victoria: The BC government has said the province, BC Nurses’ Union and Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) have together achieved a new staffing model and more support for nurses to strengthen B.C.’s health-care system and patient care.
“We know the central role that nurses play in providing safe, high-quality, compassionate care,” said Premier David Eby.
“This new staffing model will transform the way people are cared for by nurses as they will spend more dedicated time with patients. We also know that staffing shortages and public-health crises have significantly increased the volume of work that nurses do every day. To recognize that, our support for nurses has also significantly increased, so nurses can focus on what they do best – care for people,” he added.
The BC government said the province will invest in the implementation of the new nurse-to-patient care model, the first of its kind in Canada.
This model will allow nurses to spend more time with the people they care for and provide better, more person-focused services, the government said.
“We are pleased to join the Ministry of Health in announcing this historic investment in B.C.’s nurses,” said Aman Grewal, president, BC Nurses’ Union.
“In combination with increased wages for our members, contained in the tentative agreement, we believe today’s announcement will encourage the levels of recruitment and retention necessary to significantly improve the current working conditions for nurses and quality of care for patients in this province. Nurse-patient ratios will result in better patient outcomes, better working conditions for nurses and will have a positive impact on our nurse recruitment and retention strategies making B.C. the best place in North America to work as a nurse,” she added.
To support this new model, the province and the NBA will work together on a national and international recruitment strategy, a retention strategy, expanded education supports and opportunities and a strong and reliable allied health and support teams.
“The actions that we are taking today will help in making sure nurses are well taken care of, so they can focus on caring for others,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
“This announcement has the potential to provide historic investment in B.C.’s nursing and public health-care system. We will continue to work with the BC Nurses’ Union to ensure that the needs of nurses from across the province are met. Today is about finding solutions for now and in the long-term to support nurses and ensure patients have the comprehensive, quality care they need and deserve,” he said.