By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Across Ontario, hospitals are seeing an unprecedented surge in staffing shortages at hospitals, leading to the closure of 14 hospital units around Ontario over the August long weekend.
According to a recent poll conducted by the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, nearly 50% of nurses in the province are considering leaving their job, while almost 70% said they feel they cannot provide adequate care for their patients due to insufficient resources.
In response, the Ontario Nurses Association has called upon the Provincial government to immediately enact a series of measures designed to reverse the problem, including removing legislation that caps public sector wage increases at 1%, waiving tuition fees, and providing financial incentives to aspiring healthcare workers in the province.
In light of this troubling news, The Haldimand Press reached out to both of our local hospitals, Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) and West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH), for a look at the local impact.
“Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) is currently experiencing the ongoing impacts of the seventh wave of COVID-19, with community transmission occurring throughout Haldimand Country and across Ontario,” said HWMH President and CEO Sharon Moore. “Many hospitals across the province are experiencing staffing shortages and a growing demand for care. Here at HWMH, we are faced with these same pressures.”
WHGH Director of Communications & Public Relations Aaron Gautreau added, “Like many hospitals across the province, our health human resources at WHGH are fragile; however, we are confident to say we do not anticipate a reduction in clinical services.”
Gautreau continued, “We are seeing the pressures most immediately in our Emergency Department, with our staff and physicians caring for more people with more complex care needs than ever before. We recognize that waiting can be difficult and stressful for patients and families, and we are asking for understanding and patience.”
He said that as a tourist destination, Haldimand hospitals typically see larger than average numbers over long weekends throughout the summer, adding to the strain: “Every summer, our teams at WHGH enter what’s known as ‘trauma season’. This is a time of year when people are more active, so the number of traumatic injuries skyrockets.”
Moore said the ongoing impacts of the pandemic are exacerbating the situation: “The past few years have been incredibly challenging on the entire healthcare sector. As such, we are seeing high turnover of staff in all departments – people are unfortunately exhausted.”
Moore was careful to mention that even with the shortages impacting HWMH, the staff there remain dedicated to their high standards for quality care, “Even though we may face challenges and longer wait times, we do not waver in this commitment. Our number one priority is always, and will continue to be, delivering excellent healthcare for our patients.”
However, Moore hopes those coming to the hospital are aware of the situation: “We ask our patients and their families for understanding during this time. We know long wait times are frustrating, but please treat each other and our staff and physicians with respect, patience, and kindness. At HWMH, we have a zero-tolerance policy for disrespectful and violent behaviour.”
Gautreau urged the public to consider all of their healthcare options before going to the ER: “The ongoing staff shortages are difficult for everyone. If you require care, please consider which option is right for you. Emergency departments are always available for emergencies, and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please visit your nearest emergency department or call 911.”
He provided the following alternative options to coming to the hospital:
- A family doctor, for health concerns that can wait a day or more.
- Health Connect Ontario, to chat with a registered nurse 24/7 via phone or web chat.
- An urgent care centre or walk-in clinic for health concerns that are not life-threatening, but can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment.
Despite the ongoing problems plaguing both local hospitals and the medical community at large in Ontario, both Moore and Gautreau made sure to thank the existing staff for their ongoing efforts.
“We have amazing staff and physicians at HWMH and we are thankful for their ability to rise to the occasion; they have always stepped up when needed,” said Moore.
“Every day we are inspired and in awe of our staff and physicians’ dedication to providing excellent care to the communities that we serve,” concluded Gautreau. “We are grateful and recognize they are dealing with stress and burnout after working at an exhausting pace for nearly two and a half years throughout the pandemic. Please remember to be kind to our staff and physicians. They are doing absolutely everything they can – every single day.”
