For Immediate Release Friday, March 13, 2009
Nurses ready to help re-open maternity services in Banff
Nurses at the Mineral Springs Hospital want to talk about what can be done to recruit more nurses and re-open obstetrical services in Banff.
"Nurses are extremely concerned about the closure, and want to see the full services restored as soon as possible," says United Nurses of Alberta provincial President Heather Smith.
United Nurses of Alberta has had preliminary discussions with Covenant Health about working out solutions to the staffing problems at the Banff hospital.
"We are quite ready to talk about changes to help attract the nurses Banff needs to re-open the maternity service," she says.
"We've been in close contact with the nurses at the Mineral Springs, who have been advised by the hospital not to make public statements about the closure," Heather Smith notes.
As provincial President, she is speaking out on the issue on behalf of Banff nurses.
"Banff nurses have been telling me they are disappointed the obstetrical unit was closed, but at the same time, something had to give," Heather Smith noted. "The nurses are extremely concerned that low staffing levels could lead to safety problems. The shortage and strain already makes it hard to keep the staff the hospital needs," she said.
"People may be a bit surprised it could be difficult to attract nurses to Banff. But available housing and jobs for spouses can be issues," Heather Smith said.
"We really hope that we can work with the hospital and Covenant Health to address the staffing and skill development issues and get the maternity service re-opened soon."
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For more information: Heather Smith, RN, President United Nurses of Alberta 780 425-1025, cell 780 940-9974
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