July 25, 2019

On July 10, the Quebec government sent health institution management information about a summer incentive measure for clinical staff in the health network.

In short, the government will offer nurses and licensed practical nurses $75 for each full shift completed after a second consecutive weekend. What’s more, the measure comes with several conditions.

The Federation feels this measure is an inadequate response to what’s going on in health institutions. First off, very few nurses and licensed practical nurses will meet the endless list of criteria and, to add insult to injury, the measure doesn’t apply to respiratory therapists or clinical perfusionists. Do we need to remind the government that the situation is critical for all healthcare professionals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? The government has completely missed the boat on this one!

For months now, the health network has been in an unprecedented state of crisis, and day after day healthcare professionals express how fed up they are with the work overload and that it’s extremely difficult to provide safe, quality care in these conditions. Moreover, it’s common knowledge that there is a major workforce shortage during the summer, which has a direct impact on the network’s ability to maintain health services.

While the government is wading in budget surpluses, it could have offered a financial incentive measure that encouraged all healthcare professionals in the health network. Such recognition would have provided some relief while clearly demonstrating that the government is aware of the energy they are putting in to keep the network afloat for another summer. Instead, the government is late to the game with a pitiful measure that won’t produce the hoped-for results. It’s unfortunate and likely too little too late!