Health Science Professionals
For most of us, the ability to speak is something we take for granted. For Meara Brown’s patients, however, communication is a skill they must relearn entirely. As a speech language pathologist specializing in laryngectomy care with Island Health, Meara restores voices—both literally and figuratively—by helping people who have undergone the removal of their larynx regain their ability to speak...
Unfortunately, we’ve become aware that email scammers are targeting HSA members, activists, and staff with malicious email messages that impersonate our senior leadership. The members and staff who received these messages became suspicious as, upon a closer look, the messages came from an email address that is not associated with HSA. Please be assured that HSA takes online and data...
Most HSA members covered by the HSPBA collective agreement have had a fairly smooth transition to the new profile-based classification system since it was fully implemented on December 6, 2024. In many cases, the new system has resulted in an additional pay increase for members, and if that’s you, please take a look at the new wage schedules to confirm...
Editor’s note: Lisa has been elected to represent HSA Region 5 on the Board of Directors and will join the Board of Directors on adjournment of the 2025 HSA annual convention Friday, April 11. When a child walks into a hospital, it’s not only a sickness or physical condition they’re battling—it’s also their fear and uncertainty. For years, certified child...
A new national survey from National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) shows health care workers across Canada are struggling with short staffing, burnout, and inadequate wages. Almost 400 HSA members in BC participated in the nation-wide survey of more than 6,000 health professionals. The survey was conducted late last year. The survey results reinforce the importance of what...
Are you an HSA member who is passionate about supporting your colleagues and making a difference for others? If so, consider applying for the EDMP Regional Representative Expression of Interest. HSA will provide the successful applicant with on-the-job training and mentorship. Expand on your knowledge and skill set for helping others in the field of disability management. Learn more about...
HSA members have elected Gina Sanche to serve a two-year term on the union’s board of directors representing Region 9, which includes worksites in the Kootenays. A sonographer at Kootenay Lake Hospital, Sanche served as lead steward at her chapter for the last eight years, represented members at the union’s annual conventions and at bargaining conferences, and, as a Member-at-Large...
HSA members have re-elected Sarah Kooner to serve a second two-year term on the union’s Board of Directors representing Region 7, which includes worksites in the Fraser Valley, including Surrey Memorial and Abbotsford Regional Hospitals. An Infant and Child Development Consultant at the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre since 2015, she was first elected to the Board of Directors in...
HSA members have elected Lisa Daechsel to serve a two-year term on the union’s board of directors representing Region 5, which includes worksites in the Lower Mainland, including BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, BC Cancer – Vancouver and Surrey, the BC Centre for Ability, and Open Door Group. A Child Life Specialist at BC Children’s Hospital, Daechsel served as the...
Laura Greenwood will represent members from Region 4 on the HSA Board of Directors following a byelection to replace former board member Alexandra Thomson, who vacated the position in October 2024. An Occupational Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Richmond Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Greenwood has been actively involved in the union throughout her career. In her chapter, she...