February 12, 2019

RNU Thanks Dedicated Bell Island RNs for 24-Hour Shifts

St. John’s, NL – The Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is commending the registered nurses of the Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre on Bell Island for their dedicated service this past weekend (February 8 – 11) as inclement weather disrupted ferry service to the island.

Regularly scheduled shift changes were not able to take place with transportation halted, resulting in two on-island registered nurses each working 24-hour shifts to ensure the patients relying on the care of an RN would not go without.

“Registered nurses working without relief is not an ideal situation, but in this profession we cannot abandon the needs of patients and leave a gap in health care services,” said Debbie Forward, President of RNU. “We all know winter weather can be problematic, and the RNs left to staff the health care centre worked around the clock, putting patients first and doing their best to provide care. They deserve a special thank you for their commitment to patients and the community. One RN lives in the St. John’s area and had been away from her family for four unanticipated days.”

RNU also recognizes the other members of the health care team at Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre who were working to support the registered nurses in this difficult situation.

“I understand everyone was working as a team to ensure the community received the best of care and I want to thank the other health care providers for showing their support,” said Forward. “This provided an opportunity for RNs to take resting breaks on-site. With resumed ferry service, staffing changes gives these RNs a very well deserved break and rest.”

The Registered Nurses’ Union represents more than 5,300 registered nurses working in acute care, long-term care, community, education and research.

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For more information please contact:
Kristian Styles
Communications Specialist
(709) 691-0889
kstyles@rnunl.ca