The recruitment and retention of health care professionals has been – and continues to be – a challenge, not just in Newfoundland and Labrador, but globally. Addressing this issue requires collaboration among all stakeholders, as we must continue to work together to improve our health care system for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Such collaboration will be utilized in the development of a Health Human Resources Plan to help improve the delivery of health care services in our province.
Today, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced that the contract to develop the provincial Health Human Resources Plan has been awarded to Deloitte and the work is now underway. This contract, valued at $1.1 million, stems from a request for proposals that was issued in March 2022 and will leverage the work completed by Health Accord NL, and involve assistance from key stakeholders.
As the population ages and the demographics change, the Provincial Government must ensure it is providing the right care for residents, in the right place, at the right time, by the most appropriate provider while ensuring health care providers are supported in their important work. This work recognizes health care shortages, and addresses short-term needs while creating long-term change. It also builds on commitments outlined in the Shared Agenda for Family Medicine that was signed in January 2023 between the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.
Quotes
“Our government has a plan for health care, and is dedicated to the recruitment and retention of health care professionals and the improvement of their workplace environment. The Health Human Resources Plan will help guide our efforts to ensure we are on the right path. Our focus remains the continuous improvement of a health care system – in conjunction with stakeholders – that supports our workforce and leads to better health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“The Association of Allied Health Professionals is pleased this initiative is now underway. The challenges facing our health care human resources must be addressed immediately to ensure vital health care services are available to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The AAHP supports proactive planning and innovation aimed at problem solving this critical situation and looks forward to working in partnership with all impacted and invested stakeholders.”
Gordon Piercey
President, Association of Allied Health Professionals
“The Registered Nurses’ Union has been calling for stronger planning and data-driven decision-making to fix health human resource challenges and accurately forecast future staffing needs. Retaining, returning, and recruiting registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals has never been more critical. We must stabilize health human resources in order to implement the Health Accord, improve working conditions and provide quality care through safe staffing. We’re hopeful this plan informs better workforce planning to prevent future crises. It will be critical to involve frontline health care providers and stakeholders in this work.”
Yvette Coffey
President, Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador
“Clear targets are needed if the province is to emerge from the current health human resource crisis. Recruiters and educators need to know exactly how many new doctors and other health care providers are needed each year in the health care system. For too long, our health system has been without a plan. We look forward to seeing workforce decisions based on evidence. The NLMA will work with the Provincial Government to develop a Health Human Resource Plan that addresses the province’s immediate needs, while also planning for the long-term.”
Dr. Kris Luscombe
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association
“Our union is hopeful that the development of this long-awaited provincial health human resources plan will lead to improved experiences and outcomes for patients, residents, and healthcare workers. A properly resourced, staffed, and supported healthcare system that allows workers to utilize their full scope of practice will be beneficial to all involved. We look forward to being actively engaged in this process to ensure that the voices, input, and perspectives of front-line healthcare workers are heard and incorporated in the final plan.”
Jerry Earle
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees
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