Lacombe Hospital (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

AUPE Frustrated

Bed closures strike Lacombe Hospital where staff are “run ragged”

Jul 10, 2021 | 6:09 PM

Eleven hospital beds in Lacombe temporarily closed, effective July 9.

The palliative care and acute care beds were closed, AUPE notes, because of the failure to fill vacancies, which in turn have caused frontline healthcare staff to be “run ragged.”

AUPE Vice-President Bonnie Gostola says staff shortage problems existed long before the pandemic began.

“AHS wonders why it can’t attract and retain talent – this is why,” says Gostola. “They have no respect for their employees, who’ve poured heart and soul into this work over the past 15 months. Our members are endlessly compassionate, but they are not bottomless vessels. They’re drained. Some haven’t seen a raise in years, and they need this government to pour into them for a change.”

The AUPE points out at least a dozen hospitals and care centres have been forced to reduce services because of low staffing in recent days and weeks.

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In a statement, Alberta Health Services says the closures will not affect patient care as there is still sufficient capacity.

“Of the 24 remaining beds, there are 20 admitted patients. With the reduction of staffed beds, there is still space for additional patients, including private space for palliative patients, as needed. This is a temporary measure only, and a last resort, following the inability to fill RN and LPN vacancies,” the health authority says.

“We are continuing every effort to fill vacancies, and look forward to reopening the beds when safe staffing levels are stabilized. Patients presently in hospital will continue to receive safe, high quality care. The Emergency Department remains open, and there is enough bed availability to ensure admissions will continue. There are no other service disruptions at the site. We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time.”

Residents may also still call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.

Nonetheless, Gostola calls the province’s attack on healthcare workers relentless and heartbreaking.

“Why would a parent with kids to feed apply for a cleaning position with AHS today, when they’re just going to get a pink slip tomorrow?“ she says. “I hear from members all the time – we’re talking people with 20 years’ experience – who are thinking of quitting entirely because they have no other choice. That’s how bad it is.”

She continues, saying, “And who knows if nearby towns or cities will have the capacity to treat (residents)?” noting the closure in Lacombe is particularly heartbreaking because of the community’s investment in the hospital.

“The municipality partially funded those palliative care rooms. They made that compassionate care possible. So, to see the bosses in the big cities sink it, with no consideration for the impact it will have on Lacombe, is really demoralizing. But our members are determined to push back, for each other and for patients.”

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