Beverley Nichols stands in front of Sunnybank Centre where her aunt recently resided. Nichols has raised concerns about how the facility is being operated and the changes that have occurred.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Interior Health is in the midst of eliminating two registered nurse (RN) positions at Sunnybank Centre in Oliver, which is causing some concern in the community.
The Chronicle received a call from a Sunnybank volunteer who said RNs were given their pink slips (notice of termination or layoff).
There are five RNs working at Sunnybank. With the latest adjustment of professional nursing hours, there will be three RN positions remaining.
According to Interior Health, affected RNs can re-apply to work within Sunnybank or at another location in the South Okanagan.
“We are working with the nurses through human resources and the unions to support their choices,” said Cindy Regier, Interior Health services administrator for the South Okanagan.
A Sunnybank volunteer, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed concern that these changes will have a negative impact on resident care in Sunnybank.
“I spoke to Linda Larson (MLA). She said that’s how they do it – pink slips and ask them to re-apply. Can our MLA do anything?”
Larson did not return the Chronicle’s email enquiry by press time Tuesday.
Retired RN Katie Di Iuorio said she has great respect for licenced practical nurses (LPNs) who also work at Sunnybank, noting they are highly skilled.
“But I do think we need a mix of skills to care for our older population, as well as the younger population.”
She said just because Sunnybank residents are advanced in age, does not mean they do not have complex conditions.
“I do not believe, at this time, taking the RN out of the facility will improve care for the residents.”
Di Iuorio said Interior Health acknowledges that an RN may be needed on nights for their expertise, so it plans to have one on call.
“Nights in a long term care facility can at times be quite busy. The LPNs and health care assistants work very hard as it is, without adding extra stress to their roles.”
Regier noted that Interior Health recently reviewed how care is delivered at Sunnybank Centre.
As a result, it is implementing some staffing changes so that employees are “working to their optimum level” and using their knowledge and skills to the fullest.
“In the case of Sunnybank Centre, there will be an adjustment in nursing support to allow more flexibility in responding to resident needs and provide improved staff-to-resident ratios,” Regier said.
She noted this change will see an increase in practical nursing hours with a net increase of three LPNs, as well as the addition of a registered nursing residential care coordinator.
“We will be reducing professional nursing hours with a net impact of 1.8 RN positions. This recognizes that we have had RN resources on night shifts at Sunnybank where their high level of skill is not being used to the fullest.”
Regier said they will have LPNs on nights with a registered nurse on call if additional expertise is required. This is consistent with staff practices at other Interior Health residential care sites.
“We are working closely with the unions representing our staff to ensure that every effort is being made to accommodate affected staff members and to minimize the impact of these changes.”
Regier said Interior Health is following its collective agreements and working with affected staff at this time.
She pointed out that in some cases, they have to make changes to their care models to ensure residents are getting the same quality and standard of care, regardless of which facility they live in.
But the concerned volunteer wonders if there will be a Sunnybank Centre in the future.
“There will be an increased need because of the seniors in our community and those moving to our province . . . how can they justify cutbacks?”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
