Global News reported on OPSEU/SEFPO Local 345’s protest, held today over premature layoffs at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Epic, an electronic health records system, is in the process of being rolled out at six other hospitals in the region; however, PRHC has been the only hospital to swiftly give layoff notices to 84 hospital staff, all of whom are women, before the training and implementation has been completed.
“Our members aren’t against systems that make our hospitals more efficient, but laying off invaluable front-line workers will be an epic fail for PRHC,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “We don’t support removing the human connection from patient care and we’re asking for the CEO to reconsider his approach; give hospital staff time to learn and adjust, and discuss retraining opportunities where needed. Don’t risk weakening patient care in the middle of a pandemic.”