PrintUNA demands answers from AHS about nurse layoffs
United Nurses of Alberta President Heather Smith has written a letter to Alberta Health Services President and CEO Chris Eagle demanding answers as to why Registered Nurses are being laid off at Alberta health facilities. Recent layoffs at acute care, long-term care and community care are a cause of concern for nurses, patients and their families.
In the letter to Eagle, Smith requested an immediate itemization of all the layoffs, position eliminations and previously posted positions that will now go unfilled affecting nurses represented by UNA since April 1, 2013.
Smith also requested that AHS immediately disclose to UNA all anticipated changes that are expected to be made within the next year and a detailed estimate of the anticipated financial savings to AHS as a result of these staffing changes.
No clear indication of the expected scope of these personnel changes has been communicated to UNA by AHS senior management.
UNA is extremely concerned by the pace and extent of the changes that are being revealed on a piecemeal basis. These changes have an impact on the working lives of UNA members and their ability to deliver safe quality health services to Albertans.
If you have any concerns about these changes, or how they might affect patient safety at your worksite, please contact your UNA Local Executive or Labour Relations Advisor.
