RNAO has raised the public profile of the Ontario government’s tabling of a staffing study in long-term care (LTC) due at the end of July under the recommendations of the 2019 Justice Eileen Gillese inquiry.

This is a question I have often asked from government officials. Following recent consultations, we are told a plan is on its way, soon to be released. The problem is, the full trust that nurses had at the outset of the first wave of COVID-19 was eroded by the anguish we, and other stakeholders, experienced as we moved for months at a snail’s pace to respond to emerging needs. This is why, as the CEO of the largest professional association in Ontario, and as an engaged leader, I feel it is my responsibility to share our thoughts and invite feedback.

Are you a fan of salsa or Latin culture?

Tune in on Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m. ET and Sunday, July 19 at 7 p.m. ET (encore performance) for the virtual TD Salsa in Toronto Festival. The festival is Canada’s largest celebration of Latin culture and will feature musical performances, dance class instructions, culture parade features and a lot of dancing!

RNAO’s push for family reunification continued this week by laying out a step-by-step process by which LTC homes can bring this about in a safe, humane and responsible way.

RNAO held a webinar on July 6 on Reuniting families and residents in LTC: What will it take? We heard from family members and discussed their urgent call to allow them to be with their loved ones.

Dr. Denise Gestaldo has brought to our attention the struggle of Zimbabwean nurses. On 6 July, the Zimbabwean government arrested 13 nurses at the Harare hospital. They were protesting their deteriorating pay and working conditions. Those nurses have since been released on bail -- but have been dismissed from their jobs. With the inflation rate hovering around 1000%, the cost of living has risen so rapidly that public sector salaries are now almost worthless.

The mental health and wellbeing of nurses and other health providers is of paramount importance to RNAO. We are delighted to present an article from Abby Ayoub (University of Ottawa), Sheri Price (Dalhousie University), Melanie Lavoie-Tremblay (McGill University), Kelly Lackie (Dalhousie University) and Ivy Bourgeault (University of Ottawa) introducing the nursing case study of the Healthy Professional Worker Partnership.