'Completely exhausted': Healthcare workers warn staff shortages taking toll

After almost two years of pandemic strain, staffing continues to be a major issue inside Manitoba’s hospitals.

After almost two years of pandemic strain, staffing continues to be a major issue inside Manitoba’s hospitals.

The shortage is being felt across the system, but especially for nurses.

One nurse, who CTV News Winnipeg has agreed to keep anonymous for professional reasons, said they had to leave the Grace Hospital emergency room due to tough working conditions.

"When I was at the Grace working, I wouldn’t get breaks. So we’re talking 12 to 16 hours of having to eat very quickly, use the bathroom very quickly, no time to sit off your feet. So you’re just completely exhausted," they said.

The nurse said nurses can sometimes be in charge of 12 patients at a time in extreme situations, a number they feel is dangerous.

“We have a licence as well. If we are in a condition where we can’t provide good care, we are concerned maybe our nursing licence is in jeopardy.”

A doctor working in the St. Boniface Hospital intensive care unit, who also wanted to remain anonymous, said the staff shortage is a big factor in upping capacity.