Health science professionals stage province-wide walk-outs next week

Health science professionals will continue to highlight their value to the provinces health care system with walk-outs next week targeting the diagnostic, clinical and rehabilitation professions represented by the health science unions.

"Next week, this province will have a new government. Gordon Campbell and the Liberals said over and over again during the recent election campaign that health care is a priority. We mean to ensure they do make it a priority by addressing the pressing issues of shortages in the health science professions," Stewart said.

Wednesday, June 6, the unions representing health science professionals will withdraw services province-wide of members in the diagnostic professions. These union members are the professionals hospital patients see when they need x-rays, ultrasounds, c-t scans, heart monitoring and similar diagnostic services.

Thursday, June 7, health science professionals will withdraw clinical services, including those services which provide patients with clinical advice to support them and their families during and following their hospital stay ... such as drug therapies, nutrition consultation and counselling services.

Friday, June 8, the unions will withdraw rehabilitation services. These services include physical, occupational, radiation and speech therapy that treat patients with serious illness and recover from life-threatening injuries.

"Were an integral part of many facets of health care, and our challenge is to remind the employer and the government that when patients come to the hospital for care, they see many more health care specialists than just the doctors and nurses," Stewart said.

All withdrawals will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Essential service levels will be maintained.

The Paramedical Bargaining Association represents 14,000 health science professionals in the Health Sciences Association, Canadian Union of Public Employees, BC Government and Services Employees Union, Professional Employees Association, and the Hospital Employees Union.

For more information, contact:
Miriam Sobrino, Director of Communications
(604)439-0994 or 328-2886