More than 10% of N.L. respiratory therapists resigned this fall, says association

Six Eastern Health respiratory therapists have quit their jobs since September, with even more positions likely to soon be vacant.

Gordon Piercey, president of the Association of Allied Health Professionals, fears as the remaining employees attempt to compensate for the vacant positions, the exodus isn't over.

"That's going to be a significant loss. This is a group that for two years have struggled to maintain staffing and keep safe patient care going," he said.

He said respiratory therapists have been stretched thin during the COVID-19 pandemic, with two therapists caring for up to 18 patients at a time. He called the current staffing situation "chaotic," with staff being asked to work consecutive shifts with just a few hours off in between. 

"For us it is a huge safety issue, both for patient care and for our membership," he said.

Piercey said the province funds 56 full-time permanent respiratory therapist positions, and all six resignations were in the metro region.

"When you look at a loss of six personnel, that's fairly significant, especially when we're thinking about the fact that this is a 24/7 service providing critical services in tertiary care here in our metro hospitals," he said.

Piercey said at least one of the employees who resigned has gone to another province for better pay, while others have entered the private sector. He said private sector positions may offer less pay, but have a better work-life balance.

In a statement, Eastern Health said two additional positions could be vacant in the coming months as more employees resign or go on leave.

"Staff have indicated that there are challenges such as those related to workload, salary, and overtime," said the statement.

According to the Association of Allied Health Professionals, Newfoundland and Labrador respiratory therapists are the lowest paid in country. He said the association is currently in collective bargaining with the provincial government and talks have been positive, but he wants to see something — like a labour market adjustment — happen before more staff leave.

'We're at a point now, this can't wait three weeks. This can't wait til after Christmas. We need government to respond now in the next week or so," he said.

Piercey said casual employees are scarce, and covering shifts when staff take time off is difficult.

In a statement, the Health Department didn't say if a labour market adjustment is being considered.