The Report

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by SARAH O'LEARY ost people dont stop to think about what kinds of guarantees and protections we have under our Workers Compensation system ... not, that is, until it is too late. Once you are injured, you are caught up in the system and you can be in for a rude surprise...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by DAN KEETON hanges to the province’s Pharmacare plan are certain to drive up drug costs for middle income earners. And that situation could worsen for those who have not registered with the plan by May 1. They could face skyrocketing pharmaceutical bills because the plan will impose an automatic $10,000 deductible...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by RON OHMART ou can’t get something for nothing. It’s a common cliché. We’ve all heard it. Most of us have said it. But in the caring professions, there are few who live it. Over the past several months, as funding sources are attacked and contract rights are tested more and more...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by CHERYL GREENHALGH have vivid memories of attending my first HSA convention 15 years ago and feeling quite strongly that HSA not be involved in anything -political." It is probably not surprising that I have changed my opinion on that and several other issues during my years of serving on the Board...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by KATHY McLENNAN I am a physiotherapist. I used to report to a physiotherapy supervisor, but our hospital has restructured our work so that I now report to a nurse. How are employees who report to a different discipline evaluated against the classification definitions? * A paramedical who is required to report...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by PAUL DAYSON drea Rusnak is a “people person.” Her job as a recreational therapist is about people. Her role as HSA chief steward at Surrey Memorial Hospital is about people. The focus of her concerns about the future of health care in British Columbia is also about people. Adrea Rusnak Chief...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by NADENE REHNBY ts hard to keep pace with Colya Kaminiarz. As a respiratory therapist and clinical instructor at BCs largest hospital, Kaminiarz is always on the move. Colya Kaminiarz Steward & respiratory therapist Vancouver General Hospital -Its what I like best about my job," he said, heading out of Emergency, stopping...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 The Committee for Equality and Social Action (CESA) is responsible for a donation budget of $35,865 annually (approximately half a percent of dues revenue). The committee reviews many donation requests, and allocates donation funds to approved requests. This year, the committee reviewed and debated the merits of more than 50 requests before...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by LEILA LOLUA and JANICE DAVIS ast spring, almost 100 HSA activists participated in specially-designed member mobilizing workshops.Since attending the workshop, members have continued their efforts to protect health and social services around the province. Here are some highlights: St. Michael’s Centre / Lions Gate Hospital Susan Summers (chief steward and music...

The Report: April / May 2003 vol.24 num.2 by PAM BUSH lmost one year after the health authorities unveiled their -health service delivery redesign plans," its clear that this really meant cuts to health services in BC. For HSA members, the most significant cuts have been reductions in acute care services, fewer choices available for seniors and the disabled, and...