The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario unveiled its health care election platform today that the organization would like to see Ontario’s political parties adopt heading into June’s provincial election.
“We need to urgently turn the tide around before it reaches a point of no return,” said the RNAO’s Chief Executive Officer, Doris Grinspun.
They are calling on all political parties to release their plans to help Ontario recover from COVID-19.
Nurse Photo credit: PIxabay
“The pandemic has exposed many inequities and failings in society, in our institutions and our health system,” said RNAO President Morgan Hoffarth.
“In addition to 12,000 deaths from COVID-19 itself, thousands of Ontarians lost their lives during the pandemic due to drug overdose, cancelled and delayed surgeries and treatments, as well as inability to access the care we needed,” she added.
Nurse injection Photo credit: PIxabay
The RNAO also wants to see the repeal of Bill 124, legislation that limited wage increases to one per cent annually.
During a press conference on Zoom, the nursing association also called for the province to raise the minimum wage rise to $17 an hour.
“Currently one in nine Ontarians do not have a livable income,” Hoffarth said. “No one should have to choose between making a living and looking after their health as well as their families,” she added.
Woman feeling sick Photo credit: PIxabay
The RNAO also wants to see more investment in affordable housing.
“Nurses urge all parties to invest one per cent of Ontario’s annual budget in an affordable housing plan that supports rent subsidies and supplements, contracts 10,000 units per year, development 3,000 units of support of housing and investment to end chronic homelessness to 2026,” said Hoffarth.
During the press conference, Doris Grinspun said Ontario needs to create more programs and workplaces for nurses and practicians, recognizing internationally-educated nurses.
One of her suggestions was to develop a Return to Nursing Now program that Ontario used to have as well as Retired Nurses to Serve as Mentors to New Recruits.
Grinspun also called on the government to increase the number of nurse practitioners by 50 per cent to ensure fast access to hospital services.
Emergency Room Photo credit: PIxabay
Humber College Nursing student Sofiia Danysh said she’s aware of the challenges she might face at her future workplace.
“I do understand that people will not stop getting sick, and I’m happy to study nursing as I’m willing to help people,” said Danysh.
“I also understand that the conditions of my work environment will be compromised,” she added. “I think that all the protests happening right now are completely justified because even though often underestimated, nurses are the backbone of the whole health care system.”
Humber News reached out to Ontario’s Health Ministry for comment but did not receive a response by deadline.