Ontario’s Nurses Launch Campaign Highlighting the Importance of Long Term Care

Long term care is a valuable service that is often overlooked in the province. With funding lacking in the sector, more nurses are finding it hard to provide the services to patients. Now the Ontario Nurse’s Association is looking to raise awareness of the importance of long term care.

ONA is a union that represents over 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals.

It also includes 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

ONA’s campaign hopes to showcase the nurses who work in the long-term care sector by telling their stories through ads on the radio, and videos via social media. 

A Portrait of Long-Term Care Registered #Nurses: Take a look at Jean's remarkable story about the rewards of working in long-term care. #NursesKnow #CareNow Take action at https://t.co/XqcpIHquS9 pic.twitter.com/mWWHdBZIbS

— Ont. Nurses' Association (@ontarionurses) July 16, 2019

ONA also commissioned York University researchers for a report profiling the experiences of long-term care registered nurses.

“As registered nurses, we are committed to providing the best care possible for our patients and residents,” says Vicki McKenna, the President of ONA. “Nurses working in long-term care love what they do, but are simultaneously aware of the shortcomings of this underfunded and understaffed sector of health care. Despite challenges, nurses remain dedicated to their residents and provide incredible value and care.”

The campaign also calls on ONA members and the public to send a message to Doug Ford, Minister of Health Christine Elliot, and Minister of Long-Term Care Merrillee Fullerton for increased funding and staffing levels.

Email Doug Ford at https://t.co/uhaGoDciJP and express your concerns about his plans for health care. #NursesKnow pic.twitter.com/1VJkH5pGaP

— Ont. Nurses' Association (@ontarionurses) July 13, 2019

“As the province is poised to receive the report of the inquiry into long-term care, ONA’s report focuses on the stories of our RNs,” says McKenna. “Ontarians in our long-term care homes not only need but deserve the best care, respect and dignity. The nurses who provide that care love what they do and their deep commitment to the well-being of those in their care shines through. It is time to invest in long-term care and ensure that our residents are given the high-quality care they so deserve.”

More information on the campaign, including the York University report, can be found here.