RNAO’s ongoing media profile: Your December 2024 report
Throughout December, RNAO’s president and CEO were featured in media stories related to a new clinical director role for NPs in long-term care (LTC) homes and the importance of utilizing NPs to address Ontario’s primary care crisis.
On Dec. 4, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta announced proposed legislation that introduces the NP clinical director role in LTC. As clinical directors, the role of NPs would expand to include work on the clinical supervision, regulatory and policy needs of homes. In a media release (Dec. 4), RNAO President and NP Lhamo Dolkar said “RNAO is thrilled the government heard our call to expand the scope of NP utilization in LTC to help alleviate pressures on the sector amid the ongoing physician shortage, and to help retain and recruit staff.” She also told The Canadian Press (Dec. 11) that this new role is “a win for residents and families that will see the benefit of clinical directors in all 670 LTC homes, a win for health professionals who will feel more supported; and a win for nurses who will see more opportunities to build their careers in Ontario.” The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) expressed concern about this new role as they argued that a medical director within LTC already exists. RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun told the Toronto Star (Dec. 13) that the clinical director role is more focused on policies and oversight of LTC homes. “This doesn’t replace the physicians that will be working with the residents…I say to the OMA, let’s move on and do what’s best for residents and their families,” Grinspun said.
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie’s comments about the primary care crisis caught the attention of RNAO. Crombie pledged to increase the number of family doctors. In a letter to the editor (Dec. 12), Grinspun highlighted the need to utilize NPs as well. “Leader Crombie should look at proven and tested solutions used across the world: nurse practitioners. While physicians are essential, they cannot address this crisis alone. Nurse practitioners with advanced clinical education and legal authority to diagnose, treat and prescribe provide high-quality, cost-effective care across all health settings.”
Grinspun was also featured as one of six national experts to be featured in Healthy Debate’s story (Dec. 18) about the most crucial areas of focus for the health system ahead of the holidays. Grinspun stated, “My holiday wish is for meaningful progress on improving access to primary care. Universal access to primary care should be the cornerstone of our health system.”
RNAO continues to speak out alongside its members on topics related to nursing and health. Stay up-to-date on media coverage by visiting RNAO in the news. If you’re interested in speaking with reporters on issues related to nursing, health and health care, complete a short survey.
