Debates of August 20, 2007 (day 13)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services and it's in regards to the human resource management review that's been going on for the last number of months. Mr. Speaker, as indicated in this House last week, we've had a chance to have some briefing on the update of the report and some of the findings, but most of the issues pertaining to the review are still in the works, and it's not finalized, and it's a work in progress, and it's going to be worked on while most of the Members here are occupied otherwise for the month of September. So I'm just wondering if the Minister could give us an update, for the benefit of the public, what the timeline and the work to be done is as we move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 158-15(6): Stanton Territorial Hospital Human Resources Review

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in our previous sitting, I committed to bring back the results of those reports to the Members as well as present the reports back to employees. The first stage of that, employees have received their package now and there will be a process working through the Stanton territorial health facility and the employees there of getting back some feedback on that. The second part of that was a more in-depth survey that was done by an outside source, and we're hoping to have that done by near the end of September. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 158-15(6): Stanton Territorial Hospital Human Resources Review

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to that, I understand there will be other processes involved in allowing the staff to have an input into the process in the findings as well as hopefully in the plan of action. Mr. Speaker, I believe very strongly that there will be some issues that need to be worked out, and the best way to do it is to have as much input as possible from the stakeholders, especially the staff. So I'd like to ask the Minister what is the plan for the Minister and the hospital to invite that input. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 158-15(6): Stanton Territorial Hospital Human Resources Review

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are a number of initiatives that would be undertaken. Number one is first the employees will have a chance to take in the survey and the results of that. There will be a number of formal discussions. One through unit staff meetings is an initial phase, up to a formal discussion, one through unit staff meetings is our initial phase up to a formal get-together of a large number of staff with both the Bureau of Statistics that did the initial survey and the other consultant that did the second survey to sit down and go over those results, and then, from there, report back through the management to the advisory council that is in place that oversees the operations of our territorial facility. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 158-15(6): Stanton Territorial Hospital Human Resources Review

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, there is still a sense out there that, from some staff members or people involved, they would like to see more transparent and a more inclusive process with this. I think if we are going to be successful in addressing some of the issues that may come about, that it is imperative that we make sure that everybody feels involved, that they had a real say and not only a real say on identifying issues but also on how to implement the changes. Could the Minister give me an assurance today that all of the staff who participated in this and anybody interested will be a part of that process right from now until implementation of any changes that will come about or recommended actions? Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 158-15(6): Stanton Territorial Hospital Human Resources Review

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this process has been very involved. Out of the total number of staff working at that facility, 345 staff took the time to go into the initial survey portion. That is a significant number. Approximately 84 percent of our staff did take part in that initial survey. I think, number one, that shows a very good process where they became involved. The second set of processes will be direct involvement through unit staff meetings building up to the overall meeting with both groups. Again, as I stated, the Bureau of Statistics as well as our consultant working up through the recommendations out there. We have had representation from the nurses’ side, staff themselves in that facility, from the doctors’ side, from the union’s side. We will continue to have that involvement as we go through this process. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 158-15(6): Stanton Territorial Hospital Human Resources Review

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don’t disagree that there have been good responses and a number of people being involved. My specific point is that often, or sometimes, people that participate in this process are left out right at the end. People may tell the interviewer what they feel are problems at workplaces or what could be improved, whether it be communication or otherwise, but when the solutions come about, they don’t have as much say on what the solutions are and how they should be implemented. I am asking the Minister to give us an assurance that those 345 people and more will be involved right to the end. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 158-15(6): Stanton Territorial Hospital Human Resources Review

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, all of the employees will have an opportunity to respond to the survey that is out there. We will have an opportunity to look at and make suggestions as we move down this path and look forward to coming up with a happy conclusion to this process. But as we have seen in every other circle, whenever recommendations come out and changes are being made, whether they are good or seen as large or small, it is an impact to individuals. Of course, as I stated through this process, we are looking to improve services to residents of the Northwest Territories and employees who took part in the survey will have opportunity to make their comments known in the survey and make recommendations to the loops within the facility. Thank you.