‘We are working directly with impacted team members and their union representatives as we move through this process,’ says hospital<\/p>\n
Seventeen employees at Orillia Soldiers\u2019 Memorial Hospital (OSMH) are being “impacted” by program changes the hospital is making.<\/p>\n
OSMH issued a statement this afternoon about the changes to the renal\/dialysis program and the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), which include “staffing adjustments” to better align resources with changing patient volumes, advances in technology and medical therapies.<\/p>\n
The statement stressed the hospital will\u00a0continue\u00a0to “provide patients with access to high-quality renal care.”<\/p>\n
Demand for both hemodialysis and home dialysis has declined across the province, and OSMH is experiencing a similar trend, notes the statement.<\/p>\n
While dialysis continues to be an important treatment option, the needs of renal patients are evolving. Advances in treatment, including increased opportunities for transplantation, are also affecting the demand for dialysis services.<\/p>\n
In response to these changes, OSMH is “adjusting its staffing model” to better align resources with current patient volumes and available funding.<\/p>\n
This includes moving from an all-RN staffing model to a blended RN\/RPN model in home dialysis, consistent with the care needs of patients and the appropriate scopes of practice of both professions.<\/p>\n
“Following collective bargaining agreements, OSMH notified this week the 17 team members impacted by these changes so that they can now fully consider the alternatives available to them, which may include transferring into vacant positions, or where eligible, taking advantage of early retirement or other voluntary options,” notes the statement.<\/p>\n
“We are working directly with impacted team members and their union representatives as we move through this process,” said the statement.<\/p>\n
“OSMH values the experience, expertise, and contributions of our team members, and we will make every effort to retain that knowledge and expertise within our organization,” it noted.<\/p>\n
“These changes are being made with careful consideration for our people, our patients and the long-term needs of our hospital.”<\/p>\n
It’s been a tough few weeks for many people in Orillia.<\/p>\n
In mid-September, city council was told the municipality was losing a major employer<\/a> and its close to $20-million payroll.<\/p>\n While the company would not confirm its move, several sources confirmed eCapital is planning to relocate its operation and cited safety concerns as a reason for its decision to leave Orillia.<\/p>\n