As the holiday season approaches, we’re making a list and checking it twice. This isn’t a typical wish list of gadgets and toys, but rather a list of must-have changes for Manitoba’s public health-care system.
On behalf of MAHCP’s 7,000+ members, I’m here to ask for the gifts we really need: a competitive contract, enhanced employee benefits, a strategic plan for the future, timely job postings, and a culture of respect and safety.
We’re not asking for a sleigh full of holiday miracles, just the respect, support, and planning allied health professionals deserve. Without further ado, here’s our wish list, and we’re hoping Santa (or, in this case, the provincial government and health-care employers) will deliver this year.
#1
A new contract for Central Table members recognizing allied health’s value
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Allied health professionals are the backbone of our health-care system, yet we’re the only health-care sector working without a current contract. It’s time for the government and health-care employers to step up and offer a deal that reflects the specialized care and services our members provide to patients and clients every day.
#2
Stronger health benefits for health-care employees
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Burnout is a reality for many health-care professionals, especially those on the frontlines.
It’s time for health and wellness benefits to support the well-being of those focused on caring for others. Health-care employees need a plan that prioritizes mental health services, recognizes the impact of long hours and stressful environments, and provides access to tools and resources that empower and enable them take care of themselves so they can effectively take care of others.
#3
A provincial health-care human resources strategy for the future
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As many allied health vacancies go unfilled and more workers retire each year, health-care teams are often expected to do more with less. We need a plan—a solid, data-driven strategy that addresses workforce gaps and projected needs.
A failure to plan is a failure to deliver care. Health-care leadership must focus on retaining existing specialized professionals, expanding training programs, and designing health-care roles that are attractive for the next generation.
#4
Faster job postings and clear employment offer letters
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Allied health vacancies can take months to fill, and sometimes, positions aren’t posted at all. These delays are frustrating for existing employees who may be required to take on additional caseloads or work unreasonable levels of overtime to meet growing needs. Slow recruitment and deliberate heel-dragging is creating barriers for recent grads seeking employment. New grads can’t wait forever for jobs to be posted, particularly when attractive hiring incentives and signing bonuses beckon them to other Canadian provinces.
Meanwhile, jobs that are posted should be posted in a more timely manner, with clear and concise terms of employment, including location of work, hours, potential re-assignments, and any other critical information. New employees deserve clarity, not confusion. Let’s stop playing games and make sure allied health professionals know exactly what they’re signing up for.
#5
A culture of safety and mutual respect across the system
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Finally, health-care employers must commit to fostering a culture of safety and self-respect for Manitoba’s public health-care professionals and for patients and visitors.
Allied health professionals – regardless of role or experience level – deserve to feel valued, respected and heard. This includes protection from violence and harassment, and opportunities to lend their voices and expertise to decision-making processes that may affect their work.
An environment in which mutual respect is the standard, not the exception, is long overdue.
MAHCP’s wish-list isn’t made up of ‘holiday miracles’. These are necessities. They’re changes that could make a world of difference for allied health professionals, boost retention, and increase interest in health-care careers. We’re asking for the basics: fair treatment, fair pay, and supportive conditions, so our members can continue providing the gift of exceptional care to Manitobans.
As we wrap up 2024 and look toward the future, I urge our provincial government and health-care employers to listen to our needs, take action and demonstrate their appreciation of the value of allied health.