News & Updates
Last Call for HSA Election Campaign School
October 7, 2016
Space is still available in HSA's 2-day, non-partisan election campaign school for members who are interested in working on election campaigns or running for political office. The school will focus on opportunities for HSA members to be involved in the May 2017 provincial election, but will also touch on municipal and federal elections.
HSA launches member video contest
October 6, 2016
HSA's member professions play an incredibly important role in modern health care and community social services. But it's not an easy story to tell.
On TV, doctors and nurses are everywhere, often depicted doing the specialized work of pharmacists, lab technologists, radiation technologists, social workers, counsellors and other key professionals in health care and community social services. The public needs to know more about who we are, and what we do. That's why HSA regularly advertizes on TV, radio and on line. But it's hard to fit all these professions in a 30-second spot.
Health authority spends a lot to deny a little
October 5, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016
BY RANDY NOONAN, HSA LEGAL COUNSEL
On May 17, 2016, Fraser Health Authority demonstrated a shocking disregard for the public spending of precious health care dollars.
Brenda Daudlin is a dietitian employed by Fraser Health at Burnaby Hospital. Dietitians like her are responsible for a broad range of nutritional practices, some which, if not done properly, can be dangerous and even life-threatening to patients.
Status quo is not an option
October 3, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016
BY VAL AVERY, PRESIDENT, HSA
We're hearing a lot of interesting things from members like you.
Over the summer, HSA circulated several surveys and invited members to participate in focus groups. Each explored different challenges and opportunities facing our union, and we'll be following up this fall with additional surveys, worksite visits and the annual regional meetings. It's all part of our commitment to giving members a greater say and a bigger role in charting our course.
Taking aim at workload and shortages
October 3, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016
Member surveys reveal that workload and shortages continue to be the greatest workplace concern -- and HSA is taking action.
After consulting extensively with members through a series of surveys over the summer, HSA is rolling out a multi-level effort to raise public awareness and get the provincial government to take action on the dire shortage of health science professionals. These shortages continue to create unsafe levels of workload, and contribute directly to wait lists that put patients' lives on hold, or at risk.
Eric Cheng, respiratory therapist
September 28, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016
BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN
"I love what I do. I can't believe I get paid for it."
HSA member Eric Cheng is a respiratory therapist at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, and a co-founder of the Canadian charity Respiratory Therapists Without Borders.
President's report to 2016 Regional Meetings
September 27, 2016
Your elected HSA representatives and staff have been hard at work since the union's 45th convention in May. The upcoming regional meetings will be a good opportunity to provide updates on that work, and a chance for stewards and other activists to connect and discuss the issues in your region.
In preparation for those meetings, please take a few minutes to review some of the important work HSA has been involved in.
Ready to make a difference
September 26, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016
HSA members are looking ahead to the May 9, 2017 provincial election, and getting the training they need to make a real difference. Stasia Hasumi is already jumping in with both feet.
"I've been a community activist for a while, but after serving on HSA's Political Action Committee last year, I saw how important it is to help elect candidates who will fight for the things we believe in," says Hasumi. "I got involved in last fall's federal election, and am already working on next year's provincial election."
Don't mess with asbestos
September 26, 2016
HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2016
BY DAVID DURNING, HSA OHS OFFICER
In recent months there have been reports of hazardous asbestos abatement incidents in several BC health care facilities and labs.
This is potentially exposing workers and members of the public to deadly asbestos fibres.
HSA launches new ad on shortages
September 20, 2016
Members have told HSA that workload issues caused by shortages of key health science professionals have reached critical levels.
In a series of surveys conducted over the summer, members from across BC and a range of professions expressed concern that workload was making it difficult to deliver quality care, and leaving patients waiting too long for important procedures.
To address these concerns, HSA has launched a new province-wide ad aimed at raising public awareness of how shortages of health science professionals is impacting wait times and health care.