Manitoba has signed an agreement that will allow nurses to be redeployed to priority areas in the health care system. The agreement allows nurses to be moved to personal care homes, intensive care units and designated COVID-19 units.
Under the agreement health-care employers are able to make changes to work assignments, work locations, schedules, shift patterns and hours of work. In consideration for this flexibility allowances have been established for nurses who are affected by a disruption in their normal work schedule. Nurses will also be compensated for travel required due to reassignment or if they are redeployed to a personal care home, intensive care unit or designated COVID-19 unit.
“Thousands of nurses working in personal care homes and hospitals across the province are making an enormous difference in our province’s fight against COVID-19,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen. “Working with nurses, we are taking every possible step to meet the needs of Manitobans with COVID-19 in our PCHs and acute care facilities. This agreement also recognizes many nurses on the front-line of the COVID-19 response for their dedication, commitment and compassion at a critical time.”
“Nurses have played a critical role on the front line of Manitoba’s pandemic response, and they have stepped up to the challenge, working countless long hours to provide quality care for patients and residents,” said Darlene Jackson, president of MNU. “Given the unprecedented circumstances we’re facing, we believe this MOA will support nursing recruitment and retention efforts in areas of significant need, and provide a clear process for redeployment that offers some security, certainty and recognition for affected nurses.”
A COVID-19 norther allowance has also been established that will compensate nurses for travel, redeployment to the north and for nurses who work in one community but take additional shifts in another northern community.
“Today’s agreement supports our efforts to increase and stabilize the health-care workforce that is supporting the needs of patients and residents in these priority areas,” said Lanette Siragusa, chief nursing officer, Shared Health. “It recognizes the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of nurses who are caring for our sick and our most vulnerable in personal care homes and in hospital, and who are adapting to changes in duties or work location in order to fight the devastating effects of COVID-19.”
The agreement will remain in place for the duration of the pandemic.
© News4.ca 2020
