By Thomas Smith

As of May 1, Haliburton Hospital has removed all agency nurse staff. 

“Beginning May 1st, HHHS committed to no longer depending on agency staff. Not only does this decision align with Ontario Health East and the commitment to eliminate agency support as of May 1, but it also highlights our ongoing commitment and care for employing our own nurses, personal support workers, allied health professionals and other providers. However, we know that our rurality may present extenuating circumstances where agency staff are still required. For these rare instances, HHHS will carefully consider approving agency support on a shift-by-shift basis,” said Veronica Nelson, CEO of HHSS. “When hospitals and long-term care homes are unable to fill shifts using their own employees, they often turn to agencies to temporarily hire nurses, allied health professionals and executives. The goal always being to allow the organization to continue providing care without negative impact to the community. However, this “temporary solution” to staff shortages comes at a very hefty cost – agencies charge more than our local rates. This not only impacts budgets, but the community and culture of an organization.”