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Yvonne Jones, Opposition Health and Community Services Critic and MHA for
the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says she is very concerned with
the issues being raised by hospital pharmacists in the province. Hospital
pharmacists believe they are being chronically short staffed, and are unable
to attract new pharmacists because of the discrepancy that exists between
salaries and workloads of private sector pharmacists and hospital
pharmacists in other provinces. These individuals also believe existing
hospital pharmacists are leaving their public sector positions because of
their increasing workload and this is leading to a major crisis in the
system.
"Government has been made aware of the concerns of hospital pharmacists
in the province," said Ms. Jones. "To my knowledge, government has not made
any significant investments that will address this growing problem. I have
been advised by these public sector pharmacists that they are losing
experienced and highly qualified professionals everyday because of
government’s inaction to address workload and salary concerns.
"Having pharmacists in hospitals throughout our province is not a luxury,
it is a necessity. These individuals alert physicians to potential adverse
drug reactions for patients and make recommendations as to appropriate
antibiotic prescribing. Their service and knowledge is required in the daily
function of our health care system. It is time this government recognized
their need and undertook initiatives to ensure we have a fully staffed and
compensated hospital pharmacy system in this province. If nothing is done, I
fear we will continue to lose these pharmacists in increasing numbers.
"The workload of existing hospital pharmacists continues to increase as
their colleagues leave our public system. As this occurs, other pharmacists
are forced to pick up these extra duties which has added increased stress.
This may eventually lead to certain medication reviews not be fully
completed. Unless something is done to address this situation, this crisis
will continue to grow. Unfortunately, it may eventually compromise public
safety."
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