RPNs visit Queen's Park to help lead positive change for health care

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Queen's Park served as the backdrop on November 18 as a group of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) met and shared ideas with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and other government officials to help strengthen Ontario's health care system.

"This was an opportunity for nurses who spend their days and nights at the bedside to visit Queen's Park, to meet with provincial government officials and to let them know that RPNS are ready and willing to help lead the positive changes that need to take place in our health care system," said Dianne Martin, Executive Director of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO).

The visit, organized by RPNAO, included a contingent of 70 RPNs being recognized in the legislature during Question Period, a luncheon reception for MPPs and meetings with a wide range of government leaders, including Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews.

"Registered Practical Nurses play a vitally important role in our health care system," said Minister Matthews. "Working on the frontlines, their experience, passion, skills and thoughtful advice are helping transform our health care system to one that is community based and patient focused."

"Several MPPs were impressed to learn about the extent of RPNs' involvement and contributions to our health care system," said Martin. "For example, several did not realize that RPNs represent more than a quarter of Ontario's nursing workforce. Or that 96.9% of RPNs working in Ontario are in 'direct practice positions', meaning they interact directly with their patients, clients and residents."

RPNAO would like to thank the staff of Queen's Park, Ontario's MPPs and all the other individuals who helped make this day such a positive and memorable one.

About the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO)
Founded in 1958, RPNAO is the voice of registered practical nursing in Ontario. There are more than 35,000 registered practical nurses working in Ontario, playing a vital role in the province's health care system. For more information about RPNAO and its mandate, please visit www.rpnao.org.

SOURCE: Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario

For further information:

Dianne Martin, Executive Director  905-602-4664