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LONDON—Unifor is raising concerns about staffing changes at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and warns that that the restructuring will further intensify pressure on health care workers across the system.
The hospital has confirmed significant staffing changes, including the elimination of hundreds of positions through attrition.
“The restructuring will have real consequences for workers and patients. These cuts raise serious concerns about workplace safety and the need for increased funding for publicly delivered health care,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Patients deserve a health care system that is properly staffed and funded.”
LHSC, one of Canada’s largest acute-care teaching hospitals, is undergoing restructuring following a benchmarking review and ongoing financial pressures.
“Every member of the health care team including RNs, RPNs, PSWs, and support staff all have a critical role in delivering high-quality patient care,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.
In addition to changes affecting registered nurses (RNs), the union is raising concerns about reductions across multiple roles, including personal support workers (PSWs), orderlies, emergency department technicians, and changes to registered practical nurse (RPNs) staffing in some units.
“Pitting classifications against each other does not serve patients or address the real challenges facing our health care system. We need a system wide approach with funding to match to deliver the high-quality care that patients need,” says Local 27 Chairperson Liz Jesso.
Unifor Local 27 represents RPNs, PSWs, and other health care staff at LHSC.
“We will continue to monitor the implementation of LHSC’s restructuring and engage with members, hospital leadership and government to advocate for workers and patients,” said Unifor Local 27 Vice President of Health Care Kari Selmes.
