A hearing at Guelph General hospital regarding merger of two nursing units has finished, but a spokesperson for the hospital says it was more of an opportunity to find a solution than an investigation.
“This is a pretty standard part of our labour relations process when the union and the hospital can’t agree or reach a resolution, the matter goes to an independent assessment community,” said Melissa Skinner, vice-president of patient services and chief nursing executive.
“It’s an opportunity for these three independent healthcare professionals to listen to both sides, and their job is to help us move forward by providing recommendations.”
The hospital was responding to a news release from the nurses union earlier in the week.
For the hearing, the union and hospital each get to select an expert for the three-person panel. After each side presented their concerns and evidence, the panel will be reviewing all information and plan to share their recommendations with both the union and the hospital on June 15.
She explains the hospital has anticipated the hearing taking place for six months and was not a random decision.
“This is something that has been a part of the process over the past two years,” said Skinner.
The hospital and union began to have conversations around the special care unit after nurses in this unit reported wanting a larger pool of nurses who have the skills and abilities to work in the nursery.
“At any given time, the nursery is half empty, and there’s often not that many patients within the nursery,” said Skinner, “So the hospital’s plan was to bring our special care unit and pediatric unit, which is another unit in the hospital that looks after children, and decided to bring them together as a team.”
She said the hospital is investing in training and mentorship to help the nurses feel comfortable working in both units, doubling the amount of nurses working within the special care unit. Nurses will also have access to courses on neonatal resuscitation and pediatric advanced life support.
“We just want to make sure that it’s done really, really well, and go very slow,” said Skinner.
As the panel works on their recommendations, the union and hospital will continue working together as they wait for the results.
After two years with no solution, Skinner said she is looking forward to hearing what the panel has to say.
“Hopefully that will be able to take us on to the next steps where we get to work with our nurses and move forward.”
