Media Statement: MNU speaks out about the situation at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach

November 13, 2020
For Immediate Release

 

Statement from MNU President Darlene Jackson on the situation at Bethesda Regional Health Centre

“Nurses at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach are sounding the alarm over the dramatically increasing number of COVID-positive patients arriving at the hospital.

The hospital is struggling with capacity as a high volume of patients keep arriving by ambulance and on their own. Nurses are reporting having to triage patients in their cars at times because of a lack of space in the Emergency Department. Multiple units are experiencing outbreaks, and approximately 7 nurses have already tested positive for COVID.

The hospital appears to be only staffing at or below baseline, despite the significant surge. Additional nursing and support staff are needed immediately. There are also reports that some supplies and PPE are not being restocked in a timely manner, and that there are basic equipment shortages, including commodes and infusion pumps.

Health officials do not appear to have an adequate plan to meet the dramatically increasing need, despite having months to prepare. Nurses and other health care staff at the facility urgently need additional support. The Pallister government and Southern Health must act immediately to ensure all necessary resources are in place and to recruit additional staff, so that patients get the care they need.

To the public: Nurses and other health care staff need you to do your part. Stop the spread, follow public health orders, and stay home.”

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