B.C. sets nurse-to-patient ratios for 6 areas of hospital care
CBC
British Columbia's Ministry of Health has established nurse-to-patient ratios that will be used in hospitals across the province to improve workload standards.
The new standards set the minimum number of nurses required for six specific areas of care, including general medicine and intensive care.
With this move, B.C. becomes the first province in Canada to implement minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. It also makes good on a provincial commitment to the B.C. Nurses' Union (BCNU), with minimum ratios a key plank of contract negotiations last year.
Health Minister Adrian Dix has previously said setting nurse-to-patient ratios is "the leading international practice" for retaining nurses and delivering quality health care.
The six new minimum nurse-to-patient ratios are:
The ratios were set in collaboration with the BCNU and follow similar models in Australia and California.
The Ministry of Health has also committed $237.6 million to support the new minimum ratios and help retain, recruit and train nurses in B.C.
The ministry said it will continue to work with the BCNU to set ratios for any remaining hospital settings, as well as long-term care, assisted living and other non-hospital settings.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.
As Dr. Hai Nguyen entered the operating room last week, he couldn't shake the feeling of performing in front of an audience.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham has a prediction: some day, a Manitoba premier will agree to create a new funding formula for cities that includes some form of growth revenue.
Children and seniors in the community of Qu'Appelle, Sask., excitedly packaged up food hampers this holiday season.
It's Christmas on P.E.I., a time to reflect, gather with family and friends, and hopefully eat lots of delicious food after the gifts are unwrapped.
Premier Danielle Smith will attend the second inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in January, her office has confirmed.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.
A 51-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a man in North York earlier this month, Toronto police say.
Canada's premiers are calling on the federal government to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns through to the end of February.
Premier Danielle Smith will attend the second inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in January, her office has confirmed.