Summer is officially over. It’s time to get back into the swing of things after what I hope was a restful and enjoyable time for everyone. Thankfully, in Saskatchewan, fall is one of the most beautiful seasons with lots for all of us to look forward to, and this year is certainly no exception. So far we have been blessed with unseasonably warm weather that I’m sure we are all hoping will carry on just a little longer!
For SUN, this past summer has been an incredibly busy one. At the April 2015 Annual Meeting in Saskatoon, many of you will remember that members in attendance resolved to “step away from any renewed commitment to a Partnership Agreement unless discussions produced tangible results, with clear actions by the end of September 2015”. This launched a variety of actions that saw renewed vigor in pursuit of a new Partnership Agreement.
Following our discussions with the Ministry and Regional Health Authorities over the past few months, it is clear we have some more work to complete in order to achieve a Partnership Agreement that provides the support registered nurses need on the front lines. While SUN remains committed to ongoing dialogue, we do so with the expectation that clear actions will be agreed to in the near future in order to fulfill the membership’s resolution. This means appropriate human and financial resources are put in place, ensuring adequate support is available to maintain a robust and stable registered nurse workforce, as well as providing the resources necessary to ensure patient safety in our province.
As you can see, the fall of 2015 will be an extremely busy one. I ask for your patience as we continue to work on your behalf. Please keep a look out for further updates in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, I sincerely hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving. I know many of you may be working, but please remember that you truly do make a difference to those you care for, particularly on holidays which can be especially lonely when not with family. Thank you for all that you do.
Welcome back and happy fall, everyone!
In solidarity
Tracy Zambory, RN, SUN President
