UNA members in Medicine Hat walk to MLA Drew Barnes' office February 13, 2020 (photo courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chantal Wagner

UNA rallies today

“No cuts patients first:” Alberta nurses rally in Medicine Hat and across the province

Feb 13, 2020 | 5:23 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Nurses passionately chanting their concerns for patient care rang in the cold winter air in Medicine Hat and across the province on Thursday.

Two rallies took place in the city – one at the hospital, and the other a walk from Tim Hortons on 13th Ave to MLA Drew Barnes office.

UNA Locals were raising concerns about the Alberta government’s decision to lay off hundreds of nurses across Alberta.

They say cuts to different resources, privatization, and closures of rural hospitals are also concerning.

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Registered Nurse Megan Eggins and UNA Acting Local 70 President says, “We’re here to advocate for patients’ safety, patients in general, and healthcare. I’m afraid of the two-tiered system. Honestly, the only people who would benefit are those who can afford it.”

“United Nurses go forward not back,” according to Tracy Jackson who is a Home Care Nurse with AHS and UNA Local 126 Treasurer. “We don’t want to see small hospitals lose their services. We don’t want to see our friends and co-workers lose their jobs to private companies who don’t care about our health and safety.”

Government cuts in healthcare concern everybody according to one resident David Condon who came to support the rally at the hospital. “The way they’re negotiating with the healthcare workers I can see is a real problem. It’s going to drive a lot of very talented people away.”

The UNA says cuts are going in the wrong direction and they can’t stress enough that nurses are here to advocate for their patients.

UNA members outside Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (Photo courtesy Chantal Wagner)

“They’re affecting people that shouldn’t be affected and that’s the people that are patients, residents, clients of healthcare. The vulnerable that need it the most,” said John Terry the South District Representative for the UNA executive board.

Support from fellow unions also came out to raise awareness. They encourage the public to take a stand.

AUPE Chapter 8 Chair with Local 6 Curtis Jackson says, “It’s really important in these times that we all stand together, stand strong, and fight for the rights of Albertans because that’s what this is about it’s not about right or left.

According to CUPE President Local 46 Sam Ferrier, “The only thing we can do is try and fight back and get the public on our side.”

The UNA says as many as 750 RNs and RPNs could be laid off in the next year in downsizing planned by Alberta Health Services.

#Valentine4HealthCare was part of UNA’s message during rallies on Thursday