SH BILAT 2019-04-10
PIPSC National Consultation Team met with NHQ and RDCs for a bilateral meeting on 2019-04-10.
Key issues included PNEP and Overdose Prevention. PIPSC’s concerns include safety of members, process to be used, ethical challenges, financial and staffing resources, and training needs. PIPSC is aware that availability of needles will be implemented through legislation from a human rights lawsuit against CSC. CSC decided to take action prior to legislation in order to maintain some control over process. UCCO is against PNEP and so proposed overdose prevention sites that would be sole responsibility of PIPSC members. Consultation between CSC and all unions on this issue began March 27 in Drumheller. PIPSC will continue to be involved in those consultation. AC Health assured us that this is in the idea phase and that no decisions have been made. PIPSC emphasized the efficacy of OAT and the need to eliminate all wait lists before introducing additional harm reduction measures.
Bill C-83 is going before Senate for third reading. If is passes as currently proposed, we expect $50,000,000 for FTE within Health. PIPSC asked to be part of the process.
CAT-3 became sel- declaration and immunization form as of April 1, 2019. Individuals in process of waiting for CAT-3 assessment can cancel.
AC Health is waiting for Tech Services to provide memo stating that receipts will no longer be required for uniform reimbursement.
CSC Legal services may be available to staff if a complaint reaches quasi-judicial or judicial level. An analysis of Colleges in Ontario indicates that this is consistent with services available through registration that includes insurance.
National Health Services Mission and Vision applies to all inmates and offenders. Both are specific to health and have no bearing upon risk management or reintegration.
Nursing resource indicators continue to be developed. The next follow up meeting will be in May.
PIPSC asked for separate work descriptions for mental health and physical health nurses. NHQ said no and explained that the statements of merit are different and that broad work descriptions are meant to capture everything.
NHQ confirmed that the Mental Health Needs Scale is not mandatory for use in the community. AC Health stated that new guidelines will be issued in two weeks with associated corrections.
PIPSC shared concerns of front line members with whom they had the chance to meet at various sites. AC Health indicated that this was useful information for NHQ. PIPSC asked for support with ongoing site visits and contact with members.