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Jones disappointed hospital pharmacists threatened with action should they continue to speak out October 18, 2006 |
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Yvonne Jones, Opposition Health and Community Services Critic and MHA for
the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says it is very unfortunate that
hospital pharmacists have been threatened with action should they continue
to speak out regarding their working conditions and lack of staff. "I was shocked to learn that the Eastern Health Board has threatened hospital pharmacists with job action should they speak publicly about their concerns," said Ms. Jones. "Last week, the premier and minister of health and community services encouraged social workers to speak out to improve their working conditions. The premier even stated that we are not living in China and people have a right to speak out. It certainly appears this was more political rhetoric and our public employees are not allowed to raise their concerns. "Hospital pharmacists have been raising significant concerns over the past several weeks regarding low pay, a lack of staff and less than ideal working conditions. Their fear is that unless conditions are improved, it will become very difficult to attract and retain these professionals. This will threaten the hospital pharmacy system in this province. "I am calling on Minister Osborne to ensure these pharmacists are permitted to raise their concerns publicly. Trying to muzzle their voices will do nothing to improve the conditions they are working under. The health boards are appointed by government and report to government. This government has overruled their decisions over the past few years, and this time should be no different."
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