Public Service Union Workers Calling For Waypoint Senior Staff Resignation
Penetanguishene Mental Health Care Facility Says Senior Management Isn't Going Anywhere.
OPSEU is calling for the entirety of the Waypoint Centre senior staff to step down citing chaotic mismanagement, while the Mental Health Care Centre says no.
The union says its members voted unanimously to demand the resignation of senior management officials, also stating escalating health and safety concerns. The union claims mismanagement of staff scheduling alone as resulted in around $5 million in overtime costs this year alone. Waypoint President and CEO Carol Lambie says the hospital has been working with the union on staffing concerns, planning on implementing new changes, “there are many facets in staffing a hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dissatisfaction with current processes and other concerns have been brought forward by staff for some time.”
Union members accuse the hospital of allowing health and safety issues to lead to the escape of a patient, and that Waypoint failed to notify neighboring communities. Lambie says in response the patient was found on hospital property before protocol demanded authorities and local governments need notification.
“We will continue to involve all levels of staff as we work towards these and other improvements that support our patients and staff. Regularly communicating on these and other initiatives to all internal stakeholders will also continue,” said Lambie. While Waypoint says regular communication on issues is key, the union’s Smokey Thomas says “enough of the empty promises and bad management. It’s time to turn this ship around.” In response, John Barrett-Hamilton, Chair of the Board of Directors said “The Board is not looking for the Waypoint senior leadership team to resign. We value their commitment and dedication to our patients and staff and dealing with the many challenges of both the mental health and addiction system, and health care in general.”
