Public Health registered nurses head to conciliation

Public health nurses working for Peterborough Public Health are heading to conciliation, trying to avoid being forced to strike.

The health unit’s 30 registered nurses face safety issues due to nursing shortages, according to their union, the Ontario Nurses Association.

“Our proud and tireless group of dedicated health-care professionals have already seen serious cuts in nursing hours, with positions being temporarily filled or left vacant for long periods of time,” stated ONA president Vicki McKenna. “With the early influenza season now here, it is imperative that the citizens of Peterborough not be put further at risk.”

McKenna is calling on the health unit to “respect our highly specialized public health nurses by coming to conciliation and negotiating a contract that continues to respect their autonomy and choice within these specialties to ensure the public’s safety.” Peterborough Public Health nurses provide hand’s-on care and services to communities, families and individuals, including promoting healthy living choices, preventing illness and injuries, and protecting residents from infectious diseases.