Health care support workers week in Manitoba

CUPE, 3 October 2003

WINNIPEG—October 6 to 10, 2003, has been declared Health Care Support Workers Week in Manitoba.

A proclamation issued by the Minister of Health, Dave Chomiak, says these workers are deserving of recognition for their valuable contribution and for their commitment to patient care through their dedicated, caring work within Manitoba's health care system.

The public may not always see the health care aids, dietary staff, clerical personnel and many others who keep the health system going, but they're essential to the system and are being recognized, said Marlene Tartsch, Chair of the CUPE Provincial Health Care Council.

We know our work is important. People we serve in hospitals, clinics and personal care homes all over this province are telling us ever day. But it means a lot to us when our Government recognizes our role and value to the system, she said.

In a letter to CUPE from the Minister of Health, he noted that Every care provider in our health care system has an equal role to play, as all work collaboratively towards the same goal: the safe, compassionate provision of quality health care that puts patients first… I extend to you my personal recognition, and am pleased for the opportunity to also publicly acknowledge the valuable contribution of health care support workers in our province.

Health care support workers will be holding informal and formal events (displays, coffee parties, presentations) throughout the province next week to celebrate their work.

CUPE, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, represents almost 10,000 health care support workers in more than 80 facilities across Manitoba, in the Regional Health Authorities covering Central Manitoba, Interlake, Parkland, Assiniboine and Brandon. In Winnipeg, facilities include the Health Sciences Centre, Grace, Seven Oaks and Concordia Hospitals, CancerCare Manitoba, Riverview Health Centre, Community Health Clinics and personal care homes.

For information, contact:

Marlene Tartsch, Chair of the CUPE Provincial Health Care Council,
(204) 942-0343, ext. 287

Brian Ellis, CUPE Health Care Coordinator,
(204) 942-0343, ext. 226

Dennis Lewycky, CUPE Research/Communications Representative,
(204) 223-6805