New plan aims to stabilize supply of health workers in N.L.
Opposition politicians criticize lack of goals, targets in strategic health workforce plan
Health and Community Services Minister Steve Kent unveiled a strategic plan Monday aimed at ensuring there is a skilled and plentiful supply of health workers in Newfoundland and Labrador long into the future.
The so-called strategic health workforce plan will be implemented over a three-year period and will focus on five key areas: building quality workplaces, establishing appropriate workforce supply, strengthening workforce capacity, enhancing leadership and management, and maintaining robust planning and evidence.
The plan supports the more than 31,000 people who work in health and community services, said Kent.
"A skilled workforce focused on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities is an essential component of accessible and sustainable health services for the future," Kent stated.
The plan did not include any large outlay of funding, and builds upon many of the strategies already in place.
Liberal health critic Andrew Parsons was not impressed by Monday's announcement.
"What we really have here is a pretty empty plan here and not much in terms of timelines or actual targets," he said.
NDP Leader Earle McCurdy said the plan is long on generalities and short on specifics.
"It's a lot of ballyhoo and not a lot of meat on the bones," he said.
The plan focuses on the four regional health authorities, which employ some 19,000.
It sets out 15 specific goals and 38 actions to be taken over the next five years.
Kent said the plan will be adjusted as necessary.
System facing many challenges
It was released at a time when the health system and the health workforce face many challenges, including an aging workforce and infrastructure, rising costs and increased expectations among those who depend on the system.
These challenges are not unique to Newfoundland and Labrador, but some are, including alarmingly high rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
The province's geography and sparse population is also an issue, with just 1.4 persons per square kilometre, which is well below the national average.
Kent called the plan a "solid commitment to human resource planning" to ensure the provincial health system continues to provide safe, quality care, delivered by well-trained and competent professionals.
Reducing workplace injuries
One of the actions to be taken includes an effort to reduce workplace injuries in long-term care homes where the rate of injuries is more than five times the provincial average.
A special joint committee involving the nurses' union and the regional health authorities will also be established to address questions about quality work life.
And Kent stated that the supply of workers will also be addressed by increasing training opportunities for licensed practical nurses and personal care attendants.
Efforts to finalize regulations for the practice of midwifery will also continue, he added, and he referenced the more than $4 million that was allotted this year for recruitment initiatives.
"We will fine-tune incentives programs as necessary," he said.
Significant progress already made
The plan grew out of consultations with those in specialties such as nursing, allied health and diagnostic imaging.
Eastern Health president and CEO David Diamond said a sustainable health care system is directly tied to a sustainable workforce.
He said the regional health authority has already made significant progress in the five areas targeted in the plan.
"They align closely with our strategic priorities of quality and safety, access to service and a sustainable health care system," he said.
The plan is linked to the provincial government's population growth strategy, which was released by Premier Paul Davis last month.