St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital is updating its model of care, which will result in the elimination of 26 full-time Personal Support Worker positions.
This update is designed to better meet the needs of patients whose medical conditions have become increasingly complex.
According to a hospital spokesperson, more patients now require frequent nursing assessments, complex medication management, and timely clinical interventions.
These fall within the scope of practice of Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses and, as such, the hospital is increasing the number of nurses in both acute care and Complex Continuing Care.
As a result, Personal Support Worker positions in acute care areas are being eliminated, and PSW roles in Complex Continuing Care are being reduced.
According to the hospital, these changes follow the formal layoff processes required under the OPSEU Collective Agreement.
The hospital assures, “This transition does not affect patient services or bed capacity, and there is no anticipated impact on care delivery. STEGH remains committed to supporting affected employees through a fair, transparent, and compassionate process.
“Our priority continues to be providing safe, high‑quality care that reflects the needs of the patients we care for today.”
Written by Ian McCallum
