Alberta's health-care workers union wants more done to protect staff during Omicron
The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) is calling on the province to act and ensure the success of the public health-care system as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread.
In recent months, Emergency Medical Services in Alberta have experienced numerous 'code reds,' meaning no ambulances and paramedics are available in a given region.
“Members from across this province are reporting unfilled shifts, forced overtime or they can't get home at the end of the day, because there are no people available,” said HSAA president Mike Parker.
Alberta Health Services said in a statement that it will use resources from other communities.
“At times, we may temporarily reposition units from other communities or defer non-urgent transfers to address shift gaps, and may also use a single paramedic response units as needed,” said spokesperson James Wood.
“EMS has also brought on additional staff and ambulances and filled 100 paramedic positions across the province as well as working closely with hospital teams to ensure timely flow through our emergency departments.”
As for days off, AHS says vacation is handed out.
“All in-scope paramedic staff requested and are approved for 75 per cent of their annual vacation allotment at the start of the year via the annual vacation selection process,” said Wood.
For calls in Calgary, ambulances have been dispatched from as far away as Sylvan Lake, which is 158 kilometres north of the city.
The union says lengthy response times are due in part to ambulances being dropped or downgraded during shifts as a result of staffing shortages.
“I encourage any member if they want to speak out, if you please flow through us so we can protect them from this predatory employer,” said Parker.
“It is dangerous times when we speak the truth. They know the truth, the employer does, the government does and they are using a heavy hand to ensure that they don't speak out as frontline paramedics.”
With Omicron spreading and more than 1,000 people now in hospital, AHS says staff are not being reprimanded for being sick.
“It is categorically untrue to say staff are being punished for calling in sick,” said Wood.
HSAA represents 28,000 health-care workers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.