The staff were welcomed at a party and a special guest showed up, Minister of Health Adrian Dix. After taking photos with staff, he spoke briefly, thanking BC Children's and BC Women's hospital and PHSA leadership for implementing the transition smoothly, the Health Employees' Union (HEU), and housekeeping staff for working through the hard times throughout the pandemic and this latest respiratory season.
"While housekeeping and food services staff have always been a part of our extended family, they're an integral part of the health-care system, so it's meaningful that they are now recognized as part of our health-care team," said Susan Wannamaker, executive vice-president, clinical service delivery, PHSA. "Working alongside clinical staff, they play an important role in supporting the needs of our patients and families."
In becoming PHSA employees, these staff benefit from improved wages and benefits, and increased job security.
As announced by the Government of BC April 5, these staff were among the last cohort of staff to transition under the repatriation.
