Nursing shortage in Winnipeg may give perps ‘free pass’ after sex assault: women’s health worker | 24CA News
The government director of the Women’s Health Clinic says she’s puzzled after studying victims of sexual assault are being turned away from Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre, advised not bathe to protect proof and to come back again later due to a scarcity of skilled workers.
The Manitoba Nurses Union stated Wednesday the staffing state of affairs for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at HSC is so dire some victims are being despatched residence with orders to not bathe or wipe themselves after utilizing the washroom till there are workers accessible to look at them.
Read extra:
Manitobans can’t belief Conservatives to repair well being care: Opposition NDP
Read subsequent:
Liberal, Conservative MPs can now not invoice taxpayers for residence web use
“It’s atrocious, appalling — I could go on. It’s shocking,” stated Kemlin Nembhard, government director of the Women’s Health Clinic, in an interview with Global News Thursday.
“That’s submitting individuals to a complete different stage of violence.
“You’re taking people that are already marginalized, already traumatized and retraumatizing them. It’s just awful.”
The nurses union and the opposition NDP are putting blame for the state of affairs squarely on the Progressive Conservative authorities.
Read extra:
50% of Manitobans reject concept of personal well being care, latest ballot reveals
Read subsequent:
Canada will ship Ukraine 4 Leopard battle tanks: defence minister
Last April, in an announcement timed to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon introduced $640,000 in funding to rent 5 full-time forensic nurse examiners, together with a provincial co-ordinator.
Currently there is just one full-time nurse — the remaining are on-call — leading to overwhelmed workers who aren’t capable of sustain with demand, in line with the nurses union.
Global News was advised Gordon, who stated her authorities was “committed to providing care to individuals in need” at April’s announcement, wasn’t accessible to talk to media Thursday.
Premier Heather Stefanson was requested in regards to the state of affairs at an unrelated press convention Thursday. She advised media her authorities is working to fast-track the hiring course of.
“From a high level it’s a health human resources issue, we’re aware of that. It’s nothing unique to Manitoba. We’re continue to work to expedite the recruitment and retention,” she stated.
Read extra:
Winnipeg police search suspect in tried kidnapping, sexual assault of juvenile lady
Read subsequent:
Canada’s public transit programs dealing with ‘crisis’ of violence. What may be finished?
In an emailed assertion, Shared Health stated 5 new nurses have been employed however their coaching isn’t anticipated to begin till early subsequent month.
The promised provincial co-ordinator hasn’t been employed, however recruitment is “progressing” in line with the Shared Health spokesperson.
Nembhard has her doubts and worries victims of sexual received’t come again to be examined, doubtlessly giving perpetrators a “free pass.”
“The government promised that in April last year, and it still hasn’t happened,” she stated.
“That, to me, actually makes me query, what are the priorities of this authorities?
Read extra:
Police warn about launch of convicted intercourse offender anticipated to reside in Winnipeg
Read subsequent:
Liberal MP Kirsty Duncan to take go away of absence as a result of ‘health challenge’
“If they’re not even going to be able to support people that are sexual assault victims, what are your priorities?”
— with information from Marney Blunt and Richard Cloutier
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
