Staffing situation could impact patient care: CUPE

A new report from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) stated patient care could be negatively affected by under-staffing and there would be increased pressure on medical technologists and technicians.

The CUPE Saskatchewan Health Care Council released the report Monday. In it, the report said an increased workload from the under-staffing is putting extra pressure on those positions.

CUPE medical technologists and technicians provide essential services such as blood tests, X-rays, CT and MRI scans and other diagnostic tests.

The report was based on an online survey of CUPE members who work as medical technologists and technicians.

Over 80 per cent said their workload had increased over the past five years.

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Forty-seven per cent of those surveyed said a heavy workload is having a negative impact on the quality of patient care.

The main concerns outlined by CUPE are that the under-staffing can cause employees to work through breaks, arrive early or stay later which can lead to delays in patient diagnosis, errors and staff feeling burnt out.

Possible solutions outlined in the report are the Ministry of Health and regional health authorities do an audit to assess the number of vacancies.

A funding increase is also being recommended.

GOVERNMENT REVIEWING REPORT

The provincial health ministry is reviewing the report brought forward by CUPE.

The government said they are always concerned about patient safety and the safety of the workforce.

Staffing vacancies are one of the challenges that face the regional health authorities.

The ministry provides funding to the regional health authorities for bursaries and incentives to recruit workers.

The ministry said it takes reports like this seriously and will be encouraging the new Provincial Health Authority to review its supply and demand requirements to better inform training partners.

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