The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance continues to trend in the right direction in terms of hospital staffing.
Health-care facilities across the province saw staff leave in large numbers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Long hours and challenging work conditions saw health-care professionals and support staff exit the business.
The provincial average for job vacancy rates at Ontario hospitals at the end of March sat at about 11.2 per cent, according to the Ontario Hospital Association.
At that time, CKHA’s openings were at about 7.8 per cent, according to Lori Marshall, president and CEO of the CKHA.
“We are continuing to make good progress in terms of filling vacancies in the hospital,” she said. “As of Aug. 30, we were at 6.33 per cent (job vacancy rate).”
She credits efforts such as the community commitment nurses program for helping to make a difference. It provides up to $25,000 to individuals who make a commitment to work at the CKHA.
Hospital personnel continue to work to entice nurses to work here. Marshall said CKHA staff have been to 10 job fairs around the province this year.
