Sudbury hospital vows to hire more French-speaking workers

Health Sciences North says it's being vigilant in its search for more French-speaking employees.

The Sudbury hospital was designated a French language service provider about three years ago — but, in the past, it's faced challenges in determining which jobs require staff to speak the language.

"We are no longer being flexible," said Rhonda Watson, vice president of human resources at HSN.

"If a job is designated as French-speaking, then we are actively pursuing a successful applicant who has the ability to speak French. And if we can't find that individual initially, then we are going back and trying again."

'This is not safe'

The president of the French Nursing Association of Ontario says French services are needed so that patients understand what treatment they're receiving.

"There's a need for the community and for the hospitals to look at that more intensely," Paul-Andre Gauthier said.

"What are we going to do to help the Francophone community to feel like they're welcome and that we're helping them? And then, we won't have the wrong diagnosis."

Gauthier said he regularly hears from the Francophone community about the lack of French speakers in health care. He said hospitals should work with schools to recruit staff who can speak the language.

"What I hear is that people don't receive the services in French when they need it," he said.

"Or they [are told], 'Oh, we'll make you wait a couple more hours in emerg to get you somebody who speaks French.' No, they should have people who speak French in emerg. They should not wait an extra two hours. This is not safe."

It's critical to have French speakers working in mental health, pediatrics, emergency and the intensive care unit, Gauthier added.

Meanwhile at HSN, there are educational services available for employees who wish to work on their French language skills.