BCNU Calls on All Election Candidates to Build on Progress Toward Nurse-to-Patient Ratios

As candidates from across the political spectrum outline their health-care priorities ahead of election day on Oct. 24, the BC Nurses’ Union is calling for a dedicated commitment to protecting and expanding the implementation of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios across the province.

Since 2023, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested to make ratios a reality in health-care facilities in BC, with ratios now activated in 96 sites across the province. In medical and surgical units, the 1:4 standard is beginning to change what nursing looks like on the floor, and helping nurses ensure patients receive timely and attentive care.  Ratios are also proving to be a strong cost-saving measure and offer an opportunity to make better use of public health-care dollars.

But there is still work to be done.

BCNU President Adriane Gear says ratios are one of the most important solutions to the province’s nursing shortage, and the work cannot lose momentum.

“The question for this election is simple: are we going to finish what we started?” says Gear. “Ratios are taking shape across this province, and nurses are starting to see what is possible when we put the right number of nurses at the bedside. Ratios offer nurses the chance to respond to patient needs quickly and provide safer and timely care. Investing in the nursing workforce is an investment in health care.”

Gear says it’s especially important that the work already underway to fully implement ratios in emergency departments remains a top priority.

"Over the last few years, we’ve seen dozens of ERs go on diversion or close completely because there aren’t enough nurses to safely staff them. I think we can all agree that when this happens, it’s devastating for patients and communities, and this is why we need to keep moving forward on this work.”
Throughout the election campaign, BCNU will be asking candidates to sign a pledge to champion recommendations that will help make minimum nurse-to-patient ratios a reality. These include: 

• building on existing nurse retention and recruitment investments
• taking action to address workplace violence
• reducing the province’s current reliance on expensive for-profit private agency nursing. 

“There is a lot at stake for nurses and patients in this election,” says Gear. “BC has an opportunity to build on the progress that has been made and create a stronger, more sustainable public health-care system. Minimum nurse-to-patient ratios are a tangible and sustainable solution. We’re asking every candidate to listen.”
 

To arrange an interview, please contact BCNU Communications at media@bcnu.org.