2014: News Archive

A screen shot of the web site. On Monday, HSA launched a new series of ads designed to promote the work of our diverse professions. The series of five ads, appearing on radio stations across the province for the next six weeks, demonstrate how our many professions connect to each other, and how we connect the public to modern health...

RPN members are advised that the BCNU is taking advantage of an error made by Fraser Health Authority to try to raid members at Mission Memorial Hospital. Fraser Health Authority signed Mission Memorial members into the BCNU when they were first hired. This was in error, as RPNs at Mission Memorial are members of Health Sciences Association. FHA subsequently sent...

Ebola Backgrounder There has never been a case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Canada. In areas where Ebola is present, the virus can spread through: contact with infected animals contact with blood, body fluids or tissues of infected persons contact with contaminated medical equipment such as needles As long as appropriate precautions are taken, there is low risk of...

THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT, HSA In early September, HSA learned that the BC Nurses' Union planned to execute a swift takeover of the Union of Psychiatric Nurses before moving on to actively raid HSA's registered psychiatric nurses. This means BCNU organizers will be approaching HSA members at work – and likely at home – and trying...

HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY CAROL RIVIERE Choosing the politicians who govern our communities at the municipal or regional district level, and the school trustees who make decisions that affect our children's education, is a critical issue for working families. On November 15th, British Columbians will choose the people who will hold these positions throughout the province for the next...

HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY JEANNE MEYERS, LABOUR RELATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES HSA members can count on extraordinary support from hundreds of stewards around the province, and many of you know them well. But the stewards themselves depend on a team of labour relations staff who many members will never meet. I'd like to shine a light on their work...

HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 With the Union of Psychiatric Nurses now merging with the BC Nurses' Union, HSA is now the only union advocating for RPN issues at talks dominated by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. While the majority of HSA members' contracts have been negotiated and ratified, the contract for HSA's RPN members is still under negotiations at...

HSA REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY CAROL RIVIERE DR. Brian Day's attempt to use the courts to bring US-style, TWO-tier health care to Canada was scheduled to go to trial on September 8. At his request, and with the agreement of the provincial government, the court recently postponed the trial for six months to give these parties an opportunity to settle...

In the next few days, you'll receive an invitation to participate in a process that is crucial to the future success of your union. Are you ready to take part? As announced earlier this month, HSA has launched an inclusive and comprehensive planning process to create a five-year strategic plan. The plan will be presented to membership at HSA's Annual...

THE REPORT, OCTOBER 2014 BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN When Vancouver General Hospital Respiratory Therapist Ingrid Hakanson heard that a film crew would be coming into her workplace to make a documentary about the emergency ward, she had no idea she'd end up as a 'star' in a high-quality TV show that put health science professionals like herself at centre stage. "I...