PrintUNA and Alberta Health Services discuss Ebola preparedness
United Nurses of Alberta President Heather Smith and First Vice-President Jane Sustrik met yesterday with Alberta Health Services Vice President and Chief Health Operations Officer for Northern Alberta Deb Gordon and Vice President and Chief Health Operations Officer for Central and Southern Alberta Brenda Huband to discuss issues related to preparedness for the Ebola Virus Disease.
At the meeting, UNA representatives raised some concerns brought forward by UNA members over the past few weeks about the protocols, proper training and equipment available for treating patients thought to be infected with Ebola.
UNA received assurances from AHS that the union and its locals will be included in communications about Ebola preparedness. AHS will provide updated Zone specific information to worksites across Alberta. UNA will also be provided with the Zone updates which the union will then circulate to its locals and members on First Class.
It was agreed that, in situations where a patient is thought to have Ebola, the employer will immediately inform the UNA local at the worksite.
UNA representatives discussed the key recommendations proposed by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union this week, and although AHS agreed to a significant number of the recommendations, there are some areas that remain under discussion.
UNA encourages its members to schedule their annual fit test for N95 mask.
Although AHS protocols require staff to wear a surgical mask in case of a potential Ebola patient identified as low-risk, nurses can request to wear an N95 mask if they so choose. The employer has assured UNA this request will be granted provided the staff member has been properly fit tested. In a high-risk situation, an N95 mask is default.
AHS did identify a concern with inappropriate social media activity by health care workers during previous suspected Ebola cases. UNA reminds members not to discuss any work or patient related issues on social media.
UNA encourages its member to remain patient and calm as AHS continues its preparedness planning, which is being rolled out in phases. UNA is committed to working with AHS to ensure that the safety of front-line health care workers and the public is a priority.
UNA members are encouraged to refer to AHS and the Public Health Agency of Canada for information relevant to Canadian health care. Please refer to the AHS Ebola website for updates and guidelines.
Please continue to alert UNA to any concerns you have about protocols, preparation and equipment related to the Ebola Virus Disease
