REGINA – The union representing Saskatchewan pharmacists says chronic understaffing in hospitals is a major concern.
The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) surveyed its members (80 of 200 members responded) and found some health regions refuse to replace pharmacists who are on maternity leave.
“Hospital pharmacists have told us over and over again they have raised their concerns with region managers, who dismiss them out of hand, allowing and showing disrespect not only for these specialized health professional but also for the patients they are trying to serve,” said Karen Wasylenko, president of HSAS.
The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region refutes the union’s claim but admits recruitment is an issue.
“The thought that we would just not hire somebody if there was somebody available is just wrong. We hire anybody who is qualified as a pharmacist in a hospital to work for us anytime we can,” said Kelly Babcock, director of pharmacy for RQHR.
“I meet with my staff on a weekly basis to talk to them about this stuff so I’m really not sure where the union is coming up with this.”
RQHR says it has four vacant maternity leave positions and one vacant permanent position. The region has about 50 hospital pharmacists on staff.
HSAS also says many pharmacists are required to work overtime without being paid. Babcock calls that statement “a complete lie”.
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