ST. JOHN’S, NL – Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) President Jerry Earle is echoing the serious concerns from the Auditor General about the oversight and program delivery of the Provincial Personal Care Program.
“For some time, we have been bringing attention to lack of standardization and oversight, as was the case with Emergency Medical Services throughout the province,” said Earle. “We have also been vocal about the need for all health services, including personal care, to be integrated into the public sector to streamline implementation, operations, and services for clients and workers.”
“Currently, the piecemeal personal care system in the province has resulted in major issues with program and delivery, non-compliances, and a disturbing lack of oversight that threatens the safety of clients and workers,” said Earle. “And make no mistake, the conditions outlined by the Auditor General are a reflection of the realities of privatization for a service that should be completely funded and managed by our public health authority.”
“The statistics in the report released today should serve as a wake-up call for all those involved, clearly outlining why large-scale structural change must be implemented in personal care in the province,” said Earle.
“With the integration of personal care and home care into our public health system, our province could be on the leading edge of health services, and the recommendations presented in the report could be addressed with consistency, communication, compliance, and strategies for the future,” said Earle.
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