Nurses' Union thanks members and welcomes dialogue after the recent snowstorm

Halifax, NS – The Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union (NSNU) believes more can be done to assist healthcare workers who are unable to leave their workplace and those who can’t get to work during catastrophic weather events. 

Nova Scotians are grateful to nurses and other frontline workers who show-up in extreme weather to provide care, especially when nurses and other frontline workers are stranded at work without relief to come to their rescue. 

Janet Hazelton, president of the NSNU, acknowledges this isn’t the first-time nurses have been in this predicament but hopes that future discussions can lead to better solutions. 

“I want to thank the many nurses who braved the weather to get to their patients in the community, in hospitals and nursing homes across the province. I’m thankful to them, but I also don’t want them working 72-hour shifts,” says Hazelton.

Hazelton says that facilities and health organizations have emergency preparedness plans in place but, in her opinion, these plans could be revisited to prevent future hardship.

“Our members in Cape Breton, Pictou and elsewhere who risked the roads are dedicated nurses. Few complain when they don’t get home for days on end. Getting nurses safely to and from the workplace is a high priority.”

The Nurses’ Union president says she hopes Nova Scotia’s most recent storm strikes up a collaborative discussion on the subject so that patients and workers feel supported in harsh weather conditions.

-30-

The NSNU represents over 9000 Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Practical Nurses working in hospitals, long term care facilities, and community care (VON and Canadian Blood Services). The NSNU is a member organization of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions which represents over 250,000 nurses and student nurses across Canada.

Media Contact: 

Janet Hazelton, President
902-456-2084
janet.hazelton [at] nsnu.ca

Coleen Logan, Communications Officer
902-430-6169
coleen.logan [at] nsnu.ca