Regina, Saskatchewan, March 21st, 2012 – Delivering high quality, expert care remains the principal focus of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) – today’s 2012/2013 Provincial Budget address does not change that.
“We are interested in the budget’s potential to work towards addressing patient and workplace safety, improving access and reducing surgical wait times,” says Rosalee Longmoore, SUN President. “SUN is looking forward to continuing our collaborative partnerships with the Government and Ministry to see exactly how these initiatives and resources can be used to further enhance quality of care in the best interests of Saskatchewan’s patients and their families.”
Of significance to SUN, the 2012/2013 Provincial Budget released today provides resources for:
- Additional Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner seats by 2013.
- Improving access to health care services in smaller communities through the Primary Healthcare Initiative.
- Improving patient and workplace safety.
“The safety of our patients and their families is of paramount importance to registered nurses in Saskatchewan; SUN supports the Government’s attention to this issue.” says Longmoore. “And we know that evidence shows safe registered nurse staffing levels are key to ensuring high quality care, and positive patient outcomes.”
Longmoore notes a concentrated effort in building and maintaining a stable registered nurse workforce is significant in improving wait times, the quality and accessibility of health care, and patient safety.
SUN represents almost 9,000 Registered Nurses(RNs), Registered Nurse(Nurse Practitioner)s (RN(NP)s), and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) and graduates employed in rural and urban: acute care hospitals; long-term care facilities; home care services; community health; integrated facilities; public and mental health services; school boards; Canadian Blood Services offices; as well as nurses working in advance practice roles.
Contact: Lars Murran, Public Relations Officer Office: 306-566-5582 Cell: 306-526-9175 Lars.murran@sun-nurses.sk.ca
