‘It’s all hands on deck’: N.S. puts call out for more healthcare workers to help fill shortages

‘We need at least 2,000 staff, at least 1,400 CCAs, another 600 RNs and then there are other allied health professionals,’ said Barbara Adams

CITYnews halifax \ Chris Halef

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Nova Scotia’s Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister says it’s all hands on deck as the province puts a call out for healthcare workers not currently in the workforce to come back and help with staffing shortages caused by COVID-19.

On Wednesday, the province announced it would be recruiting workers for temporary, short-term and long-term paid positions in an effort to fill in vacancies in long-term care facilities.

Barbara Adams told CityNews Halifax these are desperate times and they need extra staff to support those who have been working for the past two years.

“We need at least 2,000 staff, at least 1,400 CCAs, another 600 RNs and then there are other allied health professionals,” she said.

Adams said she believes they can fill those 2,000 positions.

“Many people over the last decade have left these positions because they did find it too stressful to be constantly underfunded and understaffed,” she said.

“We’re counting on that Bluenoser spirit to help carry this sector through for the next few months in order for the staff to be able to look after themselves, as well as for us to be able to look after our loved ones in long-term care.”

According to the province, the short-term positions are being funded through current vacancies in the continuing care system.

More information on how to apply can be found on Health Association Nova Scotia’s website.