Municipal officials say they’re doing what they can to help alleviate staffing issues at Riverview Gardens.
An information picket was held in front of the long-term care facility over the weekend, raising awareness about a shortage of registered practical nurses and personal support worker positions – employees say they’ve been denied vacation time for three years because of the staffing issues.
Cathy Hoffman, Chatham-Kent’s Chief Human Resources Officer, says the municipality has had difficulty in attracting and retaining PSW staff, and have been in discussions with the union on how to find short and long term solutions.
Hoffman says residents’ care and safety has not been compromised, but the problems have led to decreased flexibility in staff scheduling.
There are close to 150 personal support workers at Riverview Gardens, caring for 320 residents.