Minister Reinforces Commitment to Nurses and Benefits of Review Process

The Provincial Government is committed to recruiting and retaining nurses, as well as to working with regional health authorities to identify operational efficiencies within Newfoundland and Labrador’s health care system.

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, is re-affirming that focus in response to irresponsible comments made by the Third Party in the House of Assembly.

“This government has taken great strides to increase the volume of nurses working in the province’s health care facilities,” said Minister Sullivan. “We intend to build on our success achieved to date as regional health authorities undertake reviews that ensure that our $2.9 billion in health care spending is utilized to its full value. These reviews are not about cuts; they are about working better and working smarter. This process will result in greater efficiency and cost effectiveness of the health care system while remaining focused on providing quality services.”

During National Nursing Week Minister Sullivan reiterated the Provincial Government’s commitment to nurses. Since 2003, recruitment efforts resulted in the most Registered Nurses being employed in the province’s history. Additionally, retention of new registered nurse graduates has increased from 68 per cent in 2006 to 85 per cent in 2012. This collective activity has led to the province having 51 per cent more registered nurses per population than the Canadian average. Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses receive the highest annual compensation east of Ontario.

“We are very aware of work demands and pressures that nurses face each and every day, and we continually work with the regional health authorities to identify initiatives that would further enhance workplace environments,” said Minister Sullivan. “We remain committed to the professional development of our health care professionals recognizing the long-term value of professional education. All health care professionals who require mandatory training will have access to this training and we expect that the regional health authorities will give priority to ensuring quality and essential professional development continues to be accessible.”

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 08             1:40 p.m.