AUPE convention delegates demand safe caregiver-patient ratio in continuing care facilities
EDMONTON – The Alberta government must adopt a standard requiring one caregiver for every six patients in the province’s continuing care facilities, delegates to the annual convention of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees demanded Saturday.
More than 600 AUPE delegates in the convention hall unanimously voted in favour of a resolution calling on the union to lobby the provincial government to “mandate a caregiver-patient ratio of one to six for our long-term care staff and patients.”
“We heard from many speakers who work in front-line health care who told horror stories of only one caregiver being available for a dozen or more patients,” said AUPE President Doug Knight.
“There was a strong indication from the convention floor that this is dangerous and unsafe,” he stated.
“The wish of our delegates is that AUPE make pressing the province for a reasonable and safe ratio of caregivers to people who are in care a priority, and we will continue our efforts to call for such a firm policy,” Knight said.
AUPE’s annual convention opened Thursday morning and adjourned Saturday afternoon, after which delegates returned to their homes throughout Alberta.
The convention also saw the re-election of Knight as president for a two-year term.
With its membership now standing at 68,000, AUPE is Alberta’s largest union.
For additional information, contact:
Doug Knight, President, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-265-6655 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)