REGINA – How long does it take for a surgical patient to change their clothing and use the washroom?
It’s only 30 seconds for those activities, according to a “standard work” form monitoring a Saskatchewan registered nurse’s time preparing someone for surgery. A second bathroom break, about a half hour later, is timed at 15 seconds.
The form (see below), uncovered in an NDP freedom of information request, is part of the Lean program aimed at streamlining health care services in the province.
Opposition leader Cam Broten said he’s worried the timing estimates are used to set staffing levels.
“If you just assume it always takes 15 seconds for someone to go to the bathroom, then you don’t have enough nurses and other health care professionals on staff, because it doesn’t always take that long,” Broten said.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan said the assessment could ultimately help inform staffing decisions, but the goal isn’t to treat two different patients the same way.
“It’s really trying to find out … what is the experience in totality like? What are those parts we need to change or make more efficient?”
The NDP have argued step-by-step instructions and monitoring by Lean consultant, John Black and Associates (JBA), are disrespectful to health care workers.
SEE BELOW: Lean work form for assessing a patient prior to surgery (highlighted by NDP)
Comments