Months of pressure by the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, Heiltsuk members, and the Hospital Employees’ Union has paid off.
The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority has rescinded layoff notices issued in May of last year to care aides working at the hospital in Bella Bella.
HEU secretary-business manager Jennifer Whiteside says the plan would’ve seenLPNs brought into the remote community from nursing agencies or other health authorities to replace Heilsuk care aides.
Whiteside says the failure of the health authority to consult with the Heiltsuk Tribal Council on how the move would impact the Nation’s traditional, holistic health care delivery on their own territory goes against commitment to reconciliation.
The care aides collectively represent more than 70 years of experience providing culturally appropriate care.
