UPDATE: BC Nurses Union objects to IH decision in Kaslo
By Nelson Daily Staff
The B.C. Nurses union is not taking a decision by Interior Health to change hours at the Victorian Health Centre ER lightly.
The BCNU fired off a release Friday calling the decision “an unacceptable denial of healthcare services to area citizens.”
“Nurses are extremely disappointed the health authority took this action, instead of developing alternative ways of ensuring emergency services to residents of Kaslo and the surrounding areas,” saidTina Coletti, West Kootenay chair for the BC Nurses’ Union.
“As a result, at least five registered nurses will be losing their jobs.”
Coletti said instead of reducing the Victorian Health Centre ER to a 9 to 5 Monday to Friday operation because of a shortage of doctors, the IHA should be arranging to provide after-hours coverage with locum doctors and nurse practitioners.
She added that the health authority should also train existing nursing staff in advance practice care to treat and stabilize patients needing a transfer to larger facilities if a doctor isn’t available.
Coletti says the ER closure and the layoff of RNs represents a significant cutback in care for the community. She also fears that the loss of these highly skilled professionals will have a lasting negative impact on the community.
She calls on the IHA to reverse the decision and take the necessary steps to keep the ER open evenings, nights and weekends by using locum doctors, nurse practitioners and advanced practice nursing.
Interior Health has Kaslo ER working 9 to 5
Interior Health hopes by offering strict hours solves the on-again-off-again care at the Emergency Department of Victorian Community Health Centre in Kaslo.
IH is advising residents of North Kootenay Lake effective November 2, 2012, the ER at Victorian Community Health Centre will be open weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of statutory holidays.
“Kaslo residents deserve a stable ER service, rather than the frequent closures experienced this past year,” said Linda Basran, Interior Health’s Community Director for IH East said in written release Thursday.
“Interior Health recognizes this represents a change for Kaslo and it was a decision that we came to after careful consideration, jointly with the community’s physicians, who have informed us they can no longer sustain 24/7 call coverage.
“This option will provide for a consistent and sustainable service to the community for the long-term.”
Basran said IH has struggled with recruiting and retaining physicians in Kaslo.
She said the Emergency Department has experienced 60 interruptions in service this year due to limited nursing and physician resources and the current model for emergency services cannot be maintained.
“Kaslo physicians have told us that by moving to a fully daytime, weekday service they will be able to see more patients during the busiest hours of the day,” said Dr. Alan Stewart, Medical Director for Community Integrated Health Services.
“They will be better able to meet the community’s primary care needs.”
Interior Health understands that with this change in service, transportation to neighbouring sites is critical in emergency situations.
As a result, discussions are underway with the BC Ambulance Service regarding creating more employment opportunities for local paramedics and working together to support health care services in the community.
When the Emergency Department at Kaslo is closed, residents should take note of the following:
If individuals are unsure about what services they require, they should call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. The toll-free line provides 24-hour, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse.
In an emergency situation, call 9-1-1. Patients will be transported to the nearest appropriate facility for care.
Interior Health officials met with the community during a meeting Thursday at the Lighthouse Theatre at J.V. Humphries School.
