Nurses Warn of More Manitoba Health Centres Facing Grey-Listing

The president of the Manitoba Nurses Union has indicated that more health care centres in the province may be at risk of being grey-listed. This designation, chosen by nurses, serves to dissuade colleagues from working at facilities due to ongoing safety concerns. Recently, both the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) in Winnipeg and Thompson General Hospital voted to grey-list their facilities, marking a significant moment in the union’s history.

Darlene Jackson, the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, noted that the trend towards grey-listing is likely to continue. “I think that you’re going to see more and more facilities asking how they can ‘grey list’,” she stated. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among nurses regarding unresolved safety issues at their workplaces.

In August 2023, nurses at HSC voted to grey-list the facility, and just this month, staff at Thompson General Hospital followed suit. Jackson highlighted that this is the first instance in the union’s 45-year history where two hospitals have been grey-listed simultaneously. She expressed that other facilities have also approached the union regarding similar measures. “I almost feel like the dominoes are beginning to fall in this province,” Jackson remarked. “Nurses are saying, ‘We are done. I am tired of being responsible for my own safety; it’s an employer responsibility.’”

The union is advocating for management at both hospitals to sign a memorandum of understanding that would include a firm commitment to address safety issues within a defined timeline. This would also allow the union to file grievances if those timelines are not met. “We just want some type of comfort in knowing that we’re actually going to see action and we’re going to see solutions happen without vague promises,” Jackson added.

At HSC, a nurse from the emergency department reported that there has been no noticeable change in staffing levels since the grey-list vote. “People are still applying for jobs. We still have nursing students… nothing has changed except this title,” said the nurse, who requested anonymity.

In response to the concerns raised, the provincial government announced that from November 1, 2023, two uniformed police officers would be stationed in the adult emergency room around the clock. The presence of law enforcement has reportedly improved safety conditions. “Nurses are more inclined to file police reports and expect a response from management,” the nurse noted. “The temperature in the waiting room is completely different when (police) are there.”

The push to grey-list HSC was triggered by a series of assaults linked to one suspect around the hospital on July 2, 2023. Staff felt inadequately informed about safety incidents, leading to heightened concerns. In response, Shared Health launched a new mobile application called the “Shared Health SAFE” app in October 2023. This app provides notifications in the event of dangerous incidents on campus and includes features that allow staff to share their location with loved ones for added safety.

In Thompson, Jackson noted that hospital management has initiated discussions with the union to address safety issues. Although staff have voted in favour of grey-listing, the union is currently refraining from actively discouraging nurses from working there. The hospital has recently implemented secure access measures through its emergency department doors, further enhancing safety protocols.

As discussions continue, the Manitoba Nurses Union remains committed to advocating for safer working conditions throughout the province. Jackson’s comments underscore a growing determination among nurses to prioritize their safety and well-being in the workplace.