Media Advisory - Minister of Health asked to investigate Glengarry Memorial Hospital

OTTAWA, Nov. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - CUPE is calling on the Minister of Health, Dr. Eric Hoskins, to appoint an investigator into the staff morale and turnover at the Glengarry Memorial Hospital and the impact on continuity of staffing and on the quality of patient care.

"Since 2007, 115 staff have left, a very large number given the size of the hospital," says Michael Hurley, president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE. "We have not had a response to our concerns about a work environment that staff see as authoritarian and toxic, or about the turnover and lack of continuity, which impact the quality of care. Attempts by various local and provincial elected officials to raise similar concerns have also been stymied."

"The Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE independently surveyed its members at the Glengarry Memorial Hospital," says Doug Allan, senior Research Officer with CUPE.  "We found that:

• There are serious concerns about the management of the hospital. About 70% of respondents express concern no matter how the question is asked.
• Less than 20% trust hospital management.
• Staff morale is poor. Well over 50% would take other employment if an opportunity presented itself.
• Few staff believe management communications are consistent from one day to the next
• Few staff believe management treats them with respect
• Few staff would recommend the hospital as a place to work
• Less than half of staff believe that quality is a priority at the hospital

"CUPE raised these concerns with the hospital management before the summer, but have received no commitments that the working environment will change. The full board has refused to meet with us to discuss these concerns. The Minister of Health must protect the public and investigate serious concerns about the operation of a public hospital, which is what we are asking him to do in this case. CUPE has never before asked a Minister of Health to take such action," said Hurley.

SOURCE Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (CUPE)

For further information: Michael Hurley, President OCHU: [phone]; Doug Allan, CUPE Research: [phone]; Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications: (416)-559-9300