Western Health has begun preparations for any form of possible strike/job action by members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses’ Union on May 20, 2009.
Western Health has begun preparations for any form of possible strike/job action by members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses' Union on May 20, 2009. If the strike proceeds, the following service changes will be implemented:
Acute Care Services: Western Memorial Regional Hospital, Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital
- All patients who may be safely discharged will be released from hospital and our Adult Rehabilitation Program.
- Elective surgeries and endoscopy services will be cancelled. Only emergency surgeries and endoscopies will occur. The number of surgical inpatient beds will be decreased.
- The Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units, Hemodialysis, Chemotherapy and Palliative care services will be maintained.
- Medical day care/home care clinic at Western Memorial Regional Hospital (WMRH) will only provide urgent medical/wound care interventions and there will be a limited outpatient service at Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital (STRH) for dressing changes and suture removal.
- Obstetric Services will be provided only at WMRH because of the absence of obstetrician at STRH. This is not related to the strike. If an emergency delivery does occur the mother and baby will be transferred to WMRH.
- Medical Imaging services (radiology) that require the support of a nurse will be provided on an emergency basis only.
- The Provincial Breast Screening Program located at Herald Avenue, Corner Brook will continue to provide mammograms to their clients. Clinical breast exams and education will not be offered.
Long Term Care & Rural Health: Rufus Guinchard Health Centre, Bonne Bay Health Center, Calder Health Centre and Dr. Charles LeGrow Health Centre
- All patients who may be safely discharged will be released from hospital.
- Long Term Care Services will be maintained with emergency admissions only. The short stay and respite care programs will be cancelled.
- Chemotherapy service will continue at Dr. Charles LeGrow Health Centre.
- All inpatients requiring high levels of care will be transferred to Western Memorial Regional Hospital.
- Emergency/Out patient services provided on an emergency basis only.
- Outlying medical clinics – all nurse practitioner appointment/programs will be cancelled.
Community Support Program
- Community health nursing will continue to visit clients at home who require Acute and Complex home nursing care and clients who are receiving End of Life care in the community.
- Assessments for emergency community support services in the event of community crisis will be completed. This will include emergency home support or assessments for residential placement.
- All investigations related to suspected adult abuse, neglect or concerns related to client care will be conducted with the Community Health Nurse as part of the investigation team when required.
Mental Health & Addiction Services
- Mental Health and Addiction Services will continue operations at reduced capacity.
- Nursing Case Management Service, Mental Health Rehabilitation Service and the Early Psychosis Program will operate on a reduced basis.
Community Health Services
Public health nursing will be limited the following essential services:
- Pre natal referrals for high risk pregnancies as determined by a physician.
- All new births/birth mothers will be referred to community health for screening and appropriate follow up.
- Child health clinics will be limited based on priority screening.
- Referrals of newly diagnosed diabetes patients will be screened for appropriate follow up.
- International travel services will be limited to priority services based on screening by community health nursing
- In the event of an emergency, community health nurses will be available to response as required by the medical officer of health.
