Mathew Wilson:
In response to your political advertisement in Coast Reporter on April 28, you state the buildings of Shorncliffe and Totem are “no longer adequate for the needs of today’s seniors” and that there is a need to “provide a safer work environment for caregivers.” Does that mean that the staff and seniors in these facilities are currently in unsafe working environments, and that the residents’ needs are not being met? These statements do not paint the real picture, as both facilities must meet licensing requirements, and the quality of care given by both these facilities is not just excellent, but exemplary. For verification, just ask the family members of current residents or of the residents who have been in these facilities over the years.
You say that “workers should not be worried” regarding wages. Well, they are very worried, and rightly so. The statement you made says that wages will be the same as they are currently. On what authority do you make these statements? You also state that “it is likely that Trellis will be paying very well.” If you think this is reassuring the healthcare employees of Shorncliffe and Totem, you are sadly mistaken. Nothing concerning the Trellis proposal is definite until it is in writing.
And for the record, our MLA did not instigate the opposition to the Trellis proposal. When staff were informed by VCH on June 2, 2016 that they were all losing their jobs in 2018, concerned staff in both these facilities approached our MLA, and several days later began a campaign to inform the public of the Sunshine Coast – a major shareholder in our health care system – just what they can expect from a private-for-profit facility.
I wonder if you have ever been to these facilities, or if you have had a family member or friend as a resident of Shorncliffe or Totem? I don’t think so, because if you had you would realize that it isn’t about shiny new floors and a nice decor. It’s about compassionate, experienced nursing care.
Please be sure your information is 100 per cent accurate, and not just a platform to advance your political ambition.
Diane Williams, RN, Gibsons
