National Survey Shows Shortage Crisis Affecting Health Care Across Canada

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 HSA has been urging in response to the crisis: higher wages, better staffing, and improved working conditions. NUPGE is using these findings to push for concrete changes at the federal level and in support of provincial components across Canada, and HSA will continue to advocate for real solutions that keep health care workers in the public system.

Key findings:

• 97% of HSA members say they’re short staffed, compared to 93% nationally.
• 86% of HSA members feel they lack the time and resources to perform their jobs effectively, compared to 75% nationally.
• 2 in 5 health care professionals across the country are considering leaving public health care within the next 3 years.
• 72% of health care workers nationally report financial stress, and 21% struggle to afford basic living expenses.
• 3 in 5 health care professionals nationally would recommend their jobs to others.

Despite these challenges, 96% of HSA members say their work is meaningful and 78% see a future working in public health care.

Read the full report here.