The Minister of Health’s directive for the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) to pause the abolishment of registered nurse positions has expired and government has decided it will not be extended. This decision is deeply troubling for SUN and SUN members given that concerns around patient safety, which were the reason for the pause, have not been addressed.
 
The pause was initially instituted on November 12, 2013 as a result of discussions between SUN and the Minister regarding patient safety concerns. RHAs were asked, by the Minister of Health, to stop the abolishment, replacement and vacancy management of registered nurse positions until January 31, 2014, in order to facilitate a deeper investigation into issues through a review of patient safety data, evidence and research (view the Clarification of Abolishment joint statement). The RHAs were directed by the Minister of Health to complete this work through the Tripartite Partnership.
 
On the January 31, 2014 the pause was extended for an additional month, until March 1, 2014, to provide more time to achieve the agreed to objectives.
 
Unfortunately, the RHAs and the Ministry have not fulfilled the Minister’s directive to supply all the necessary data to inform future registered nurse staffing decisions that are in the best interest of patients and families.
 
SUN remains committed to our open and ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Health. Furthermore, we maintain the position that the pause on abolishment must be reinstated while a full review of all patient safety data in light of evidence and research is completed. Evidenced-based decision making is the only way we can ensure changes to staffing strategies, models of care and any other healthcare transformational initiatives we undertake will protect patient safety and reduce risks of harm in the long run. 
 
SUN members are asked to please contact their Employment Relations Officer if they see changes such as vacancy management or the elimination, replacement or abolishment of registered nurse positions in their workplaces now that the pause has expired.  Please also provide details of these changes on the SUN website at https://sun-nurses.sk.ca/index/abolishment.