NL Health Services Outlines Approach to Leased Accommodations
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services today provided an update on the use of leased accommodations for health-care staff such as agency nurses, locum physicians and other health-care professionals. The use of leased accommodations supports health-care staff and physicians throughout the province who are needed to provide crucial health-care services.
“The need for leased accommodations became critical following the COVID-19 pandemic, when our health-care system, like others across the world, faced significant human resource challenges,” said Karen Stone, KC, CEO (interim) of NL Health Services. “Agency nurses and other health-care professionals were required to maintain services, and housing options were limited. We thank staff who stepped up to provide accommodations during a time of need where there was critical pressure on the health-care system.”
NL Health Services has taken action to address concerns related to contracts for leased accommodations:
- Internal Review: In the spring and summer of 2024, NL Health Services completed a review of existing leases.
- Termination of Lease: In August 2024, 57 NL Health Services employees were identified as possibly being in contravention of the Conflict of Interest Act. Fifty-one employees were informed that their leases would be terminated. The remaining six leasing arrangements continue as the contracts were awarded through public tender.
- Request for Leased Accommodations: In September 2024, NL Health Services issued a Request for Supplier Qualifications for Leased Accommodations. As a result, NL Health Services will maintain a list of qualified suppliers to provide accommodations.
- Agency Nurses: In addition to the agency reduction plan, any new agency nurses or extensions must be approved by the Chief Operating Officer.
- Conflict of Interest Committee: NL Health Services will request a review.
- Education on Conflict of Interest: Orientation will now be strengthened to include a standalone section.
“The internal review did not reveal any intentional wrongdoing on the part of managers. We believe that their offers to help with accommodations were well intended during a critical time in health care,” said Debbie Molloy, vice-president responsible for human resources with NL Health Services. “At NL Health Services, we are committed to ‘Just Culture,’ a system of shared accountability between the employer and the employee that encourages ongoing learning and improvement.”
NL Health Services continues to fully support the Office of the Auditor General’s investigation into health contracts and looks forward to receipt of the report and recommendations.
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About NL Health Services
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is responsible for delivering quality health-care to approximately 541,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The provincial health authority is supported by over 23,000 employees and physicians who together work to improve the health and well-being of every person, in every community. Guided by the vision of Health Accord NL, NL Health Services offers a comprehensive range of health-care programs and services through a wide network of facilities, clinics, and community services across five zones: Central, Eastern-Rural, Eastern-Urban, Labrador-Grenfell, and Western.
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