FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Yukon Hospitals to introduce new resources to enhance patient care and support our workforce
In efforts to enhance the care we provide and support to our people and teams, Yukon Hospitals will introduce new resources over the coming months.
Between now and March, the hospitals will add Charge Nurses to all of our patient care units (including the community hospitals) and create an Access and Flow Team (focused on supporting patients and families with the transition out of hospital). This has been made possible through funding commitments from the Government of Yukon.
While new to Yukon’s hospitals, Charge Nurses are standard in most hospitals and patient care settings. Simply put, they are experienced Registered Nurses who have a lead role in (or are in charge of) the provision of patient care, including:
- Supervising patient care staff and resources – ensuring teams are supported and quality care standards are met
- Meaningfully supporting frontline staff with patient care, clinical mentorship and timely communication as a foundation to retain and develop clinical teams
- Supporting the flow of a hospital unit/department in real time – ensuring the right care in the right place at the right time
- Working to both support and direct care in times of high demand and acuity
- Ensuring a more positive experience for patients and families – being a key point of connection for our teams and the people we care for
With the creation of charge nursing roles, our hospitals will also create a dedicated and focused ‘Access and Flow’ team to improve how patients move throughout the hospital system by:
- Making sure patients have everything they need when they arrive at and leave the hospital
- Improving communication across hospital departments and with healthcare system partners.
This team can help reduce delays in accessing care, improve patient experience, and allow nurses to focus on patient care. The health system is increasingly complex and challenging to navigate – as there are often many transitions for patients and families. These resources will help to bridge some of the gaps, creating a more seamless, and safe, patient experience.
“This is a positive step forward for patients, families, and staff. Our nurses have been very clear about the supports they need to deliver safe, high-quality care. This commitment from the government allows us to continue putting those solutions in place.”
- Pamela Hine, Board Chair, Yukon Hospitals
“These new resources are intended to improve timely access to hospital care. This will also support our health care professionals in delivering high-quality care to Yukoners, as well as helping Yukon Hospitals support and retain staff.”
- Brad Cathers, Minister of Health and Social Services
Yukon Hospitals thanks our patient care teams for their continued dedication and acknowledges the support from the government and other system partners in advancing these improvements.
Media Contact:
Dylan MacNeil
Communications, Yukon Hospitals
Dylan.MacNeil@yukonhospitals.ca
867-393-8698