QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner released the following statement for Mental Illness Awareness Week:
“On Mental Health Illness Awareness Week, I’m calling on the Premier to immediately address the burnout that many nurses in Ontario are experiencing.
60 per cent of nurses working in Long Term Care (LTC) reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other severe mental distresses. Yet 67% of all registered practical nurses say they don’t have access to adequate mental health support.
All nurses deserve guaranteed access to mental health services. It’s not a luxury service. It’s a necessity.
And let’s also address the cause and not just the symptom: nurses are overworked and underpaid.
That’s why I’m calling for the government to repeal Bill 124 and make pandemic pay permanent for all nurses.
Nurses deserve better.
The harsh working conditions are pushing nurses to the brink, leading to burnout and an exodus of nurses from the profession.
So on Mental Illness Awareness Week, I’m calling on this government to finally prioritize the well-being of nurses and improve their working conditions and pay.”