First Nations Health Expert Backs NDP Nursing Plan

First Nations Health Expert Backs NDP Nursing Plan

Friday, September 08, 2006 at 15:22

A recent decision by a nurse’s union to not take part in the province’s new plan for retaining health care professionals isn’t a fatal blow, according to a northern health care representative.

Dr. Bonita Beatty of the Indigenous People’s Health Research Institute is a co-chair of one of the committees the government has appointed to come up with specifics.

Beatty says the plan is still viable, despite the opposition from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses.

This week, the province announced it will spend $25 million over three years to encourage the hiring and retention of health care workers in Saskatchewan.

Beatty says the union’s decision is unfortunate, but it won’t cripple the initiative.

Beatty says an increase in bursaries, partnerships and Internet training are some of the tools the North may use as it works to hang onto qualified staff.