June 5, 2003
UNA is stepping back from mould technical group
United Nurses of Alberta is stepping back from the technical group doing tests for toxic mould or other contaminants at the Foothills Medical Centre.
“We have lost confidence in the process of the technical group, and we ask that Alberta Workplace Health and Safety take immediate steps to restore that confidence,” says Michelle Senkow, UNA Local Vice-President at the Foothills.
“Our expert on the committee believes that the constraints on the investigation will compromise the results," Senkow says. “If the committee will not allow all the tests necessary, we cannot rely on this group’s work to determine the cause for illness on the dialysis unit.”
Further testing for toxic mould contamination was slated for Thursday, June 5, at 11:30 p.m., but when the UNA’s nominated air quality expert realized that the tests would be unduly limited, she felt she had no choice but to step back from the process.
“There are almost 70 RNs who are sick on this unit, and we have to know what’s causing the illness,” says Senkow
Testing already done on the unit has determined that a toxic mould, stachybotrus chartarum, is present.
“A whole series of requests from our expert have been blocked or have not been answered,” says Senkow. “For example, the expert has asked for documents which she considers essential to a thorough investigation, and this request has been blocked. We have lost confidence in the committee’s capability and commitment to thoroughly research the possibility of contamination and air quality problems on the unit,” Senkow says. “We will not be party to an incomplete investigation or a cover-up of any kind. The health of too many nurses and employees working in this area is too important to allow anything but the most thorough and conclusive investigation possible.
Senkow says that Alberta Workplace Health and Safety must take immediate steps to restore confidence.
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