Health care needs more care

In Saskatchewan, SEIU-WEST members working on the front line in health care have been without a contract since March 31, 2017.

Stagnant wages have created an environment where qualified staff are leaving the sector and province for careers outside, while senior staff are taking early retirement. The health care system, in general, is plagued with recruitment and retention challenges. Many SEIUWEST members admit they can no longer afford to work in the sector.

Our health care system, once a revered place to work, is rapidly taking on the persona of a place to gain experience before moving on.

The provincial government tinkered with our health and well-being, infusing the service that is health care, with a business model.

Chronic understaffing is a concern in the system. Belief that a reduction in the amount of staff per shift would aid in bringing costs down without affecting the service has led to increased injury, stress and burnout of health care workers.

Medicare was created with the promise of the best possible health outcomes for all users of the service. When will our government sincerely make the effort to deliver on this promise?

Under the Saskatchewan Party plan, there is a pronounced emphasis upon our patients, clients and residents enduring cuts and waits in health care service; workers in this sector continue to be expected to do more with less as we face understaffing and rollbacks.

Together let’s make our government aware that the quality of health care residents expect to receive in our province is non-negotiable.

Martin Been, SEIU-WEST member, Saskatoon