Home care workers are worried what changes may be on the horizon for Winnipeg’s home care program and how that may affect the service for their clients. The uncertainty stems from an article that recently appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press and a press release posted on the Winnipeg Regional Health Authorities (WRHA) website.
In the release, the WRHA states that it intends to make changes to the home care program and have the new program “up and running in six months' time,” yet they have not provided any detail.
“If the WRHA is talking about making changes to home care in Winnipeg, why haven’t our members in home care been consulted or even made aware that changes are coming,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “It’s all very concerning. This comes on the heels of home care undergoing a name change in the province and the recent cancellation of the Hospital Home Team program in Winnipeg.”
The MGEU is the largest union in the province representing over 40,000 workers delivering public services each and every day to Manitoba families. Approximately 5,000 members work in home care, caring for our parents, grandparents and other loved ones.
President Gawronsky has written to the WRHA Chief Executive Officer Milton Sussman requesting a meeting to discuss the changes that lie ahead and how the MGEU can work in cooperation with the health authority.
“Manitoba’s home care program is a universal, publically accessible program and the envy of all other provinces,” said Gawronsky. “Home care workers give their all every day caring for their clients. If anyone has ideas on how services can be strengthened, it’s them. I’m hoping the WRHA gives them a chance to share their ideas.”