Dear Editor:
It seems there is no end to the challenges in the health care sector. We are still on restricted access to hospitals in efforts to contain SARS.
As we begin to return services at KGH to normal levels, we are faced with catching up approximately 4000 clinic appointments and over 200 surgical/OR procedures. Did you know that this endeavour is to be accomplished while we are short staffed in Imaging Services, Clinical Laboratories, Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy as well as other critical care areas? We are
short staffed because our CEO, Joe de Mora, has enforced suspensions on O.P.S.E.U. members due to the Day of Action last February 13th. He seems to believe that our health care community of South-eastern Ontario is best served by deliberately overworking and under staffing our health care professionals.
Whether you agree or disagree with the one Day of Action protest against the Ontario Hospital Association, is it responsible to make the community pay the consequences? Are these suspensions a reasonable form of discipline, or just a reckless display of intimidation? The majority of hospitals across Ontario disagree with Joe de Mora's actions and chose not to
escalate the problems by suspending their staff.
O.P.S.E.U Local 444 members will do everything in our power to meet this unnecessary challenge and we will not let our community down. We are proud professionals and you can count on us to care for you.
Sincerely
Colleen Clarke, M.L.T.
Proud Member, O.P.S.E.U. Local 444
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