Attention News/Assignment Editors/Health and Labour Reporters:
TORONTO CUPEs Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) will release a study on the Effective Use of Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario Hospitals, on Friday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m., at the Queens Park media studio in the Legislative Assembly, Toronto.
Patient care in Ontario hospitals is in a crisis, says Michael Hurley, president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU). Using more RPNs and allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training and qualifications could help alleviate the RN shortage and save hospitals money.
OCHUs RPN study points to ineffective use and low use of RPNs. The study suggests more appropriate RN:RPN ratios for hospitals. Many RPNs are not used to their full capacity. RPNs are skilled nurses and in many cases their training and nursing resources are being wasted.
- WHO: Michael Hurley, President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU)
Helen Fetterley, RPN, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions
Janet McIvor, Practicing RPN, Scarborough General Hospital - WHAT: News conference and release of RPN study entitled:
The Effective Use of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs): Addressing a Nursing Crisis in Ontario Hospitals - WHEN: Friday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m.
- WHERE: Queens Park Media Studio
Ontario Legislature (main floor)
Queens Park, Toronto
For further information, please contact:
Michael Hurley, President, OCHU,
(416) 599-0770 - (416) 884-0770
Helen Fetterley, RPN, Sec.-Treas. OCHU
(416) 599-0770
Heather Farrow, CUPE Researcher
(613) 237-1590
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications
(416) 292-3999