Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is providing clarification regarding recent public commentary on layoffs issued to casual nurses. Please see below statement on behalf of Debbie Molloy, vice-president of Human Resources for NL Health Services: 

“NL Health Services values the contributions of casual nurses to the health-care system as they provide crucial care and services to patients throughout the province. We particularly thank the many retired nurses who returned to NL Health Services during and after the pandemic on a casual basis to provide much needed assistance. 

The 72 cases referenced in the Auditor General’s audit were not layoffs, rather the individuals were provided with records of employment for a variety of reasons. In some instances, there was insufficient work in the unit or community where the nurse had the required training and orientation, or they may not have the specialty qualifications for the work that was needed (such as the intensive care unit). In other cases, the nurses may have been unable to relocate to another unit or area of the province due to personal reasons or choice. 

We are committed to strengthening the health-care system by investing in long-term solutions to stabilize our workforce. This includes offering full-time positions to casual staff, hiring new graduates, offering flexible employment opportunities, and removing barriers to employment such as childcare. We have seen record numbers of nursing graduates join NL Health Services. This year, 222 out of 245 Bachelor of Nursing graduates accepted full-time employment with us – that’s 91 per cent of graduates.”   

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