Victoria, B.C.’s Royal Jubilee Hospital saw dozens of operating room closures and staff shortages in recent years, but this hasn’t stopped Island Health from piloting a new “2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurse” program.
The program will supposedly help people from marginalized sexualities access better care.
Recent years have witnessed a surge in operating room closures and staff shortages in British Columbia’s capital, prompting observers to label the healthcare situation in Victoria a crisis.
The repercussions of the understaffing have forced major hospitals in the region, including Royal Jubilee Hospital, to shut down operating rooms for extended periods, resulting in the postponement and rescheduling of at least 141 surgeries.
Island Health’s decision to implement the 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurse program has stirred debate, with some questioning the allocation of resources amidst a severe healthcare crunch.
Royal Jubilee Hospital has faced significant challenges, leading to closures lasting up to 69 days. Questions remain about how the introduction of a specialized liaison nurse may divert attention and resources away from addressing the broader staffing crisis.
Leah Hollins, the chair of the Island Health board, defended the move, emphasizing the importance of improving health support for the LGBTQ community.
In a press release, Hollins praised the addition of the liaison nurse position.
“This new liaison nurse position is a wonderful addition to our care teams and will provide an important service,” said Hollins.
“This is an important step as Island Health works to improve health supports for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
Registered nurse Emily Wyatt currently occupies the liaison nurse position, assuming responsibilities that include providing emotional support, healthcare advocacy, preventative harm reduction, education, and connecting or referring individuals to community and social resources.
However, questions arise about whether individuals accessing the program will be given prioritized care or referrals over regular hospital visitors. True North sought clarification from Island Health on this but received no response. Island Health’s media spokesperson, Andrew Leyne, directed inquiries to a statement published by the organization.
“The nurse will also collaborate with various hospital units to evaluate the staff education on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and provide resources and opportunities for non-judgmental discussions to facilitate learning,” the statement reads.
“The 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurse pilot project at RJH will be reviewed to determine additional locations in the future.”
