Menno Place ensures sustainability for seniors cared for at Menno Hospital
On August 6th, BCNU (British Columbia Nurses Union) was given notice of Menno Place’s intent to contract out nursing services at Menno Hospital.
Menno Hospital is one of two residential care facilities operated by the Mennonite Benevolent Society. There are 151 residents who live at Menno Hospital.
On September 29, 2015, 11 full-time and 18 part-time nursing positions were given notice of layoff along with the casual nurses. This working notice will provide up to six months transition time.
This difficult decision to layoff nursing positions was made by the Board of the Mennonite Benevolent Society to address a mounting $1.62 million deficit at Menno Hospital. This measure will rectify the annual budget deficit at Menno Hospital within three years. The alternative to this layoff was to close the beds, relocate 151 residents and layoff all the Menno Hospital staff.
Quality resident care is our primary focus at Menno Place. This continues to be our primary focus during this time of transition. The Health Care Aides working at Menno Hospital will continue to provide continuity of care and compassionate relationships as daily caregivers at the bedside.
As a Christian organization, one of our values is Stewardship of our resources for the benefit of our residents and the long-term sustainability of our operations. Click to read the Menno Place values.
“Our board tried and tried to do everything it could so it didn’t affect nursing. It was a very difficult decision for my board, (who) really care about our staff. It’s really tough to make these decisions that impact people’s lives.” – Karen Baillie, CEO
Please note:
- This layoff notice does not impact Menno Home or The Apartments.
- This layoff notice does not include any of the Health Care Aides working at Menno Hospital, Menno Home or The Apartments.
- Menno Hospital has not been closed as was reported on the news. Quality resident care will continue during this time of transition.
