WeRPN is committed to supporting excellence in healthcare. We were active participants in the 2018 The Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of Residents in the Long-Term Care Homes System.
In July 2019, Commissioner Gillese released the Public Inquiry’s Final Report that not only helps to answer questions about the circumstances that resulted in the terrible harm and death of long-term care (LTC) residents and prevent similar tragedies in future but also offers an opportunity to enhance the quality of care delivered to residents across Ontario’s LTC system.
As the voice of Ontario’s 45,000 Registered Practical Nurses, thousands of whom work in LTC facilities, WeRPN is committed to enhancing resident safety. We believe several of many of the recommendations put forward by the Commission will help achieve that goal. In particular, the Commissioner’s call for a study examining adequate levels of registered staff.
WeRPN has repeatedly called attention to the need to enhance staffing in LTC. We believe ensuring adequate levels of registered staff, including knowledgeable and skilled RPNs, will not only improve the safety and result in better care for residents but enhance the well-being of the nurses committed to delivering that care. We look forward to working with the government and nursing partners to support this study.
WeRPN also applauds the Commission’s proposed actions to build capacity in the LTC system. As professional practice leaders, WeRPN maintains that it is time for Ontario’s LTC system to move from a compliance environment to a standard of excellence. Similarly, WeRPN has been calling for the government to expand career laddering programs in LTC to support the attraction and retention of qualified staff and is eager to work with the government and other health partners to realize that goal.