Nurses in Ontario demand safer staffing ratios

Hundreds of nurses gathered outside several hospitals in Ontario on Thursday. They demanded that hospital CEOs improve staffing levels to ensure better patient care. The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), representing 68,000 nurses and health professionals, is pushing for specific nurse-to-patient ratios. Currently, Ontario lacks set ratios for nurse staffing. The ONA wants to establish a 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio for general wards and a 1:1 ratio in intensive care units. Liz Romano, a long-time nurse, emphasized that these ratios could save lives and help retain nurses in the profession. The rallies took place at 26 locations across Ontario and coincide with upcoming arbitration talks after earlier negotiations broke down. The ONA's main focus in these discussions is securing safe staffing ratios in their contract. Green Party leader Mike Schreiner joined the rally, expressing solidarity with the nurses. He highlighted the need for safe working conditions and proper funding for health care, stating that nurses are overworked and underappreciated. A representative from the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) acknowledged the need for realistic agreements given financial challenges. They noted that important staffing decisions require flexibility based on patient care needs. Meanwhile, Ontario's Health Minister's office stressed the province's investments in health care, including the addition of new nurses. They indicated ongoing efforts to support and grow the nursing workforce in Ontario.