Home care clients advised of possible service disruption
Shared Health Manitoba
Published Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Residents living throughout much of Manitoba, excluding the Northern Health Region, are advised that community health services - particularly home care services - and some clinic appointments could be significantly disrupted next week if planned job action by CUPE and MGEU-affiliated staff proceeds.
A strike would affect patients and clients living in the Winnipeg, Interlake-Eastern, Prairie Mountain and Southern Health-Santé Sud regions. Health system employers remain committed to bargaining in good faith with both unions in the hopes of reaching an agreement and avoiding a strike.
In the event of a strike beginning Oct. 8 at 6 a.m., essential services agreements will be implemented. These agreements – reached between employers and unions – are intended to support ongoing vital health services, including priority home care. All efforts will be made to minimize service disruptions. However, clients should expect some delays and/or changes to services – including the possibility of some cancellations.
Impacted clients began being notified last week that their care plans were being reviewed in order to determine service modifications on a case-by-case basis.
Service priority will be focused on ensuring clients continue to receive essential services, while some lower priority tasks are offered less frequently or postponed. Clients whose home visits will be postponed or cancelled can expect to be contacted by phone and notified of the change.
For many home care clients, families and caregivers are a fundamental partner in assisting with the care clients need. While essential services will continue to be provided, some clients may benefit from additional support. Families and caregivers are asked to plan accordingly during this time as a part of their backup plan to bridge any gaps in services. Home care clients are encouraged to contact the health region they receive services from if they have questions or concerns. For each region, clients and/or their loved ones are asked to call:
- Winnipeg: your case coordinator;
- Interlake-Eastern: 204-785-5577;
- Prairie Mountain: 1-855-474-3338; and
- Southern: 204-346-6135.
Other community health services will continue as planned, but clients can expect disruptions or delays if a strike occurs.
The potential work stoppage can also be expected to disrupt other clinical activities. Affected patients that have a clinical or outpatient appointment will be contacted directly.