The South Bruce Grey Health Centre is hosting a virtual community information session to share the latest update on its Nursing Recruitment and Retention Action Plan.
The meeting is set for this evening (Wednesday, February 23rd) at 6 p.m.
If you have a computer and internet access, you can participate by Zoom video conference, or watch a live stream on SBGHC’s Facebook page. You can also join by telephone. To register and for instructions on how to connect, contact patientrelations@sbghc.on.ca or (519) 370-2400 ext. 2214
Due to a staffing shortage, as of December 27th, 2021, the Walkerton hospital emergency department reduced its hours to close overnight from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. In addition, the inpatient unit at the Chesley site was changed to a 20-bed alternate level of care unit to allow for an alternate staffing model to be used when required.
The Chesley hospital began closing its ER overnight back in 2019.
The SBGHC says it has an updated recruitment and retention plan to address nursing shortages.
It includes the posting of three full-time single site registered nurse positions posted, (two at the Walkerton site and one at Chesley).
The SBGHC said in a release in January, it has also utilized registered midwives to stabilize the staffing in the family birthing centre, and use nursing externship positions for registered nursing students.
It notes its plan details a list of retention initiatives, which includes a third-party review of scheduling practice to identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement.