Minister and home care agencies discuss concerns

John Ottenheimer, Minister of Health and Community Services, yesterday met with a group of private home care agencies to discuss their concerns surrounding wages for home support workers and their future.

"I am pleased that yesterday�s meeting was very cordial and that it enabled me to hear first-hand the challenges facing those workers," said Minister Ottenheimer. "The group indicated that they would like to see wage parity for all home support workers in the province. While it is not immediately possible to meet this request, the issue will certainly be explored as part of the 2005-2006 budgetary process."

Minister Ottenheimer committed to work closely with home support agencies in the development of a comprehensive approach to the delivery of home care and on matters directly relating to the future of health policy on home care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"I fully recognize the importance and value of home care for clients and their families," said Minister Ottenheimer. "It is crucial that we were presented with the opportunity to listen to the concerns of home care agencies, and I will certainly relay those concerns to my colleagues."

At the First Ministers meeting in September, palliative care and other types of home care were identified as a priority for governments across the country.

Media Contact: Stephanie Power, Communications, (709) 729-2888

2004 10 07                     3:05 p.m.