Update Monday February 26, 2024:
KHSC February 26, 2024, The Professional Practice Exchange,
An Interprofessional Publication,
Reminds us of Appropriate Social Use.
As an ONA Nurse be the 6′ P’s in your Daily Actions and Professional Appearance
Update Wednesday February 28, 2024:
KHSC Announcement; Temporary Enhanced Premium Program end date March 31, 2024
Update Wednesday February 21, 2023:
Our Have Your Say Bargaining Survey for hospital sector members has launched and is available at www.ona.org/haveyoursay.
This is your opportunity to tell ONA about your bargaining priorities as we plan for the next round of hospital negotiations slated for early 2025.
Update Monday January 29, 2024
ONA & KHSC Connell 10, Independent Assessment Committee
Second Expert Nursing Panel Report Underscores Urgent Need to Improve Nurse Staffing and Retention at Kingston Hospital
Update Wednesday January 17, 2024:
Reminder KHSC ONA R.N.’s
February 15, 2024, Beck Period submission deadline for period April 22 to October 20, 2024
February 15, 2024, Bi-annual Vacation Request deadline for period May 1 to October 31, 2024
Update Tuesday December 12, 2023:
Reminder KHSC Nurses, 2024 ONA Standing Requests need to be submitted as you 2023 expire January 1, 2024.
Click Here to access form……..ONA Standing Request 2024
Update Tuesday December 12, 2023:
ONA Ontario Nurses Association
Changes to Dual Dues for 2023, 2024 and future
If you pay dues to ONA at more than one employer, please read……..Dual Dues
Update Monday December 11, 2023:
Reminder….CNO Annual Membership Renewal deadline Sunday December 31, 2023
All nurses are required by provincial legislation to register with CNO and renew their registration annually.
For additional information….https://www.cno.org/en/maintain-your-membership1/annual-membership-renewal/
Update Friday November 16, 2023:
Local 99 KHSC ONA Local Contract Ratification
At the meeting November 16, 2023, members ratified the new collective agreement recently negotiated with KHSC.
Once the agreement is printed and vetted with the employer we will post on website, and share with the members, along with any changes to be aware of.
Tuesday November 14, 2023:
Local 99 KHSC RN’s Christmas Schedule Posted November 15, 2023.
Please check your Christmas and New Years schedule to ensure no scheduling errors with when you are working and not.
If you have an issue with your schedule, please report it to your manager as soon as possible so they can try to remedy it.
If your manager is unable to resolve, please contact Annette Saccon your BUP by email at khscbup@onalocal99.org . Please include the word CHRISTMAS in the subject line of the email.
Update Monday November 13, 2023:
ONA Members Survey:
We are encouraging each of you to complete ONA’s Members’ Survey; it only takes a few minutes.
By completing the survey, you can win one of the great prizes ONA is raffling off!
This survey is our opportunity to share what we appreciate and what we need more of from our union. It is a straightforward way that we can share our voice and help guide ONA into the future.
Take the survey today before you forget — click here to take the survey now!
Important points:
• The survey runs from November 9, 2023, and remains active until January 12, 2024.
• It takes 5-10 minutes to respond.
• The online survey is secure, mobile-friendly, bilingual, and anonymous.
• There are prize draws to be won — the earlier you fill out the survey, the more chances you get to win.
• The survey is open to members and leaders.
• For more information, go to ona.org/voice.
• Complete the survey today!
Stay safe and healthy — fill out the survey and win that iPhone!
Update Monday November 6, 2023:
Local 99 KHSC RN’s, NP’s Contract Ratification Vote
November 16, 2023, 18:00 to 20:30
Botterell Hall Queen’s University Room B 147
Update Tuesdays June 27, 2023:
ONA Members, This is a reminder to be sure you check out the new CNO Code of Conduct, which came into effect June 5, 2023
and the new Scope of Practice Standards coming int0 effect July 1, 2023
CNO Standards and Guidelines – https://www.cno.org/en/learn-about-standards-guidelines/standards-and-guidelines/
New Scope of Practice – New Scope of Practice standard coming in July (cno.org)
Read — ONA Members Memo
Update Tuesday May 30, 2023:
Your reopener award was paid out on Monday May 29, 2023
The employer has brought to our attention on some members payout for 2020 had missing hours and were not included in the original payment. This was for 464 of our members.
This is to be corrected and payment will be on Thursday June 1, 2023. Paystubs should be issued today.
Please see contacts below for concerns that you have. Please cc the union as well khscbup@onalocal99.org
If the questions are around the amount you received or did not receive anything, you should reach out to Joel Tremblay directly at joel.tremblay@kingstonhsc.ca.
If they are about how the pay deductions were calculated or anything around how the net pay was determined, those can be sent directly to the main payroll inbox payrolltime@kingstonhsc.ca.
We will keep you informed of any news as we go forward.
Update Monday May 1, 2023:
Nursing week 2023 May 8 -14
“Lasting Impact, Forging Our Future.”
Celebrating ONA Local 99 NP’s, RN’s & CNS’s
KGH Site Members: Please come to Fenwick Conference Room (Near old main entrance/ behind covid screening area)
Tuesday May 9/23 thru Saturday May 13/23 between 3 pm and 8 pm
ONA Local 99 Executive will be handing out Nursing Week Gifts.
HDH Site Members: Vice President Nancy Savage RN will be making her way to your unit.
Satellite Site Members: Your charge RN will be circulating.
Update Friday April 28, 2023:
HIGHLIGHTS OF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT CHANGES
AS A RESULT OF THE ELI GEDALOF
BILL 124 REOPENER ARBITRATION DECISION
DATED APRIL 25, 2023 (Read Link Below)
2-Highlights of Decision Central 2023-Gedalof Bill 124 Reopener
Update Wednesday April 3, 2023:
HIGHLIGHTS OF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT CHANGES
AS A RESULT OF THE JOHN STOUT BILL 124 REOPENER
ARBITRATION DECISION DATED APRIL 1, 2023 BETWEEN
ONA and PARTICIPATING HOSPITALS, click link below to read all the details.
highlights-of-2023-collective-agreement-changes-hospital-central-bill-124-reopener
Update Monday March 13, 2023:
Reminder ONA Local 99 KHSC RN Members meeting:
Wednesday March 15, 2023, 1930-2100
Botterell Hall Rm B147 Queens University
Update Monday March 13 2023:
Save the Public Healthcare, Respect Healthcare Workers Petition:
Please come and sign!
ONA Local 99 KGH Office, Dietary 3, Wednesday March 15, 2023, 11;00 am to 1:00 pm
All KHSC Union members welcome, sign for Anti Privatization
Update Monday February 27, 2023:
All-Out Shut Down Protest – Thursday, March 2
Join us at an All-Out Shut Down Protest outside the Sheraton Centre Toronto, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bargaining will be taking place at the Sheraton, and we need every member and ally outside showing their support!
Bus will leave from KINGSTON Toys R Us in Kingston at 7 am , Thursday, March 2
Please contact (TEXT OR CALL) your Bargaining Unit President by cell phone at (613) 572-1387
$20 deposit is required and will be returned to you on the bus
We need members who are 100% committed to taking the Bus to Toronto for the All out Shut Down
There is a washroom on the bus,
Bus will be returning to Kingston from TO after the Protest.
BETTER STAFFING BETTER WAGES BETTER CARE
Update Tuesday February 21, 2023:
All-Out Pickets – Thursday, February 23
ONA will be focusing on a picket from 1100-1400hr on Thursday February 23 outside of KGH will be held on Stuart street (sidewalk) and outside of HDH on Brock street (sidewalk).
Pickets will be provided.
Update Tuesday February 12, 2023
ONA is reaching out to members to ask for their participation as part of a mobilization effort.
As noted on the ONA Central Website there will be an
All-Out Pickets – Thursday, February 23
On February 23, ONA members and allies will join all-out picket actions in communities across the province. These pickets, held outside hospitals and Conservative MPPs’ offices, will show our unified voice and commitment to achieving a fair deal for Ontario’s nurses.
ONA will be focusing on a picket from 1100-1300hr on Thursday February 23 outside of KGH and HDH sites.(more details on locations will be provided next week) We are hoping staff will take a few of minutes of their break time to join in support or for anyone who is not working this day to come and join the effort to support Better Care, Better Staffing and Better Wages.
Please share this email with anyone who you feel may want to support and participate
For more information, please see Central website at WWW.ONA.ORG Better Care, Better Staffing and Better Wages.
Please let us know if you have questions.
Annette Saccon
ONA Local 99
Bargaining Unit President
Local Co-Ordinator ONA Local 99
Update Thursday January 26, 2023:
KHSC RN’s reminder biannual vacation requests for period May 1 to October 31 and Beck submissions for period April 25 to October 23 are due prior to February 15, 2023
Update Monday January 16, 2023
The collective agreements between KHSC and ONA will expire in March 2023
Prior to entering negotiations, we would like to open the floor to all members so they can
“Have a Say”.
This is for your Local 99 ONA/ KHSC collective agreement only and cannot be related to central issues i.e., benefits, wages (anything monetary) which is negotiated by ONA Central with the OHA.
What we think would be really helpful is if you looked at your current local agreement and let us know what is really important to you in your workplace.
Please email admin@onalocaL99.org, include Have a Say in subject line
Please respond before February 1, 2023, only by email, we will respond to every email we receive.
Thank-You
Your ONA Local 99
Negotiation Committee
Update Wednesday January 11, 2023
Critics blast Ford government’s continued defence of Bill 124 after new revelations
Update Monday December 12, 2022:
New Video: Ontario is facing an unprecedented health staffing crisis
Ontario Health Coalition–ontariohealthcoalition@list.web.net
Update Friday December 9, 2022:
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Staff Memo
New Staff Resources & Psychoeducation to Support Phsychological Wellness
Please see KHSC Info Tab at top of page
Update Thursday December 8 2022:
Ontario Nurses Association Media Release
Independent Expert Nursing Panel agrees with ONA that more could be done to retain, recruit RNs to Kingston Health Sciences Centre
December 8, 2022, KINGSTON, ON – An independent panel of nursing experts has made 64 recommendations to improve patient care in the Mental Health and Addiction Care Program (MHAP) at Kingston General Hospital, many of which Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) members have been raising for several years………………………………………….
Click link below to read complete News Release
Update Saturday December 3 2022:
ONA Local 99 RN Member Virtual Teams Annual General Members Meeting:
Who: All ONA Local 99 RN Members
When: December 15, 2022 @19:00 to 21:00
Where: Virtual By Teams
See Navigation tab, Local 99 Meetings and News for how to Register, only verified advanced registration will be granted access to meeting.
Update Monday November 14, 2022:
Ontario Health Coalition
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY Town Hall Meetings
Our public hospitals are in an unprecedented crisis
The Ford government has done substantially nothing to help them
Instead they have funnelled millions into for-profit corporations to privatize our public hospital services
Almost 100 Emergency Departments have had closures across Ontario.
If the Ford government continues to ignore & downplay the staffing crisis
— and use the crisis as an excuse to privatize —
our community hospitals are at grave risk.
All across Ontario people have banded together for a century or more to build up our local public hospitals. We have volunteered, fundraised and donated from our pay cheques because these are vital services for our communities. The Ford government’s plan would dismantle our local public hospitals, taking the profitable services out to for-profit corporations, robbing them of desperately needed staff and funding. We must force the Ford government to address the crisis and take urgent action to support our local PUBLIC hospitals.
We CAN do this, but everyone needs to help to make it happen.
Town Hall Meetings Across Ontario
Due to the overwhelming spread of respiratory infections in Ontario, we will hold the meetings online. It is super easy if you’ve never done it!
- You just need a computer with internet. Register by clicking on the link (called the Zoom link) by your local town hall meeting listed below. The registration form just lets us know how many people are coming.
- Once you have filled in the registration form Zoom will automatically email you a link for the meeting. We will send reminders the day before and the day of.
- When it is time for the meeting to start, click on that link Zoom emails to you and a window will open that puts you into the meeting. You can choose at that point to have your video camera in your computer on or off.
Need help? Email ohc@sympatico.ca and write TOWN HALL HELP in the subject line.
Kingston
When: Nov 28, 2022 7:00 PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtde2vqDssGtJZc6pWXLorrjIwYwjL4796
Update Wednesday November 2 2022:
Come see us and learn about how HOOPP advocates for retirement security, pensions 101 and the results of our 2022 Canadian Retirement Survey.
My name is Bobby Argiropoulos, Stakeholder Outreach Manager at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Just wanted to send you this message to let you know that I will be conducting and in-person event in Kingston on Tuesday November 22, 2022 with HOOPP’s pension advocacy group The Pension Collective. Virtual sessions will also be taking place on Tuesday November 15 and Thursday November 17, 2022.
The Pension Collective is a community of individuals who care about the future of retirement security and want to learn more about pension issues that impact Canadians. We will be conducting a presentation on the importance of retirement security in Canada and HOOPP representatives will be in attendance to connect and engage with attendees before, during and after the presentation.
The event will be take place between 6:00pm and 8:00pm at the Four Points by Sheraton Kingston.
There are spots still available and I would love for you to join us if you are available. I would also be grateful if you could share this message with your team at ONA Local 99.
Snacks, refreshments and parking will be provided.
Here is a link where you can find the registration page. Registration is required to attend.
I have also included the invitation that was shared with members of The Pension Collective below.
If you are interested, here is a link where you can sign up to be a member of the program.
The Pension Collective- Sign up page
If you any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by email, cell or text.
Bobby.
Bobby Argiropoulos, MBA, QAFP™
Stakeholder Outreach Manager
Pension Advocacy & Research
HOOPP | Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
1 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario M5J 0B6
T 416-369-9212 ext.3084
C 416-459-5384
Update Wednesday June 1 2022:
The Temporary Retention Incentive for Nurses is open to all classification of nurses in Ontario including Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse and Registered Practical Nurse.
Eligibility period for the program is related to work performed between February 13th and April 22nd, 2022. All eligible nurses will receive the incentive in two installments.
To receive the first payment of up to $2500, nurses must be in the employment as a practicing nurse on March 31st, 2022. Payment will be related to the period worked from February 13th to March 19th, 2022 to a maximum of 187.5 hours.
To receive the second payment of up to $2500, nurses must be in employment as a practicing nurse on September 1, 2022. Payment will be related to the period worked from March 20th to April 22nd, 2022 to a maximum of 187.5 hours.
Pending any unforeseen circumstances, bonus amounts for the first period of February 13th-March 19th, will be issued as an off-cycle payment June 14th for deposit into accounts on June 16th. For nurses who are currently on a leave of absence and eligible for the bonus, it will be paid upon return to work
Update Tuesday May 31 2022:
KHSC Nurses:
Retention Bonus Attestation for Part-Time and Casual Nurses:
If you are a PART-TIME or CASUAL nurse and work for more than one eligible employer\organization, you are required to:
- Claim the eligible hours through each employer for which you were working during the eligibility periods;
- Provide an attestation to each employer to whom you delivered services, setting out the number of hours worked (see attached);
- Verify that your total hours claimed do not exceed the maximum of 187.5 hours in each eligibility period for all employers combined.
Attestation forms should be submitted by June 10th, 2022 to the attention of the Total Compensation Advisor indicated in the KHSC email sent to staff on May 31st.
Payments are expected June 16th, 2022.
Celebrating Nurses May 9-15 2022:
“Dedicated to care. Fighting for change.”
On behalf of the ONA Local 99 executive leadership, we would like to wish each of you a Happy Nurses Week and thank your for your dedication to exceptional patient care.
For KGH Members:
Over the course of this week Annette Saccon (KHSC BUP) and Laura-Ashley Detlor(KGH Site VP) will be in the Dietary 3 Conference Room from Tuesday May 10th – Friday May 13th from 4pm to 9pm & on Saturday May 14th from 6am to 4pm giving out Nursing Week Gifts.
For HDH Members:
Gifts will be distributed by Nancy Savage (HDH Site Vice President).
Follow Up to KHSC Nurses Townhall:
ONA Local 99 will be holding 2 Virtual Member Meetings on Thursday May 5th 2022 in follow up to the KHSC townhall meeting held last week. The 2 meeting options will be held at the following times:
Meeting #1 – 1500-1600h
Meeting #2 – 1930-2030h
Please email Laura-Ashley Detlor at kghsitevp@onalocal99.org indicating which meeting you will be attending and your personal email. A link to the meeting will be sent to your personal email address an hour in advance of the meeting
Update Monday April 4, 2022:
ONA PT Unavailability:
During the last round of local bargaining, the parties agreed to a Letter of Understanding that allows regular part time ONA nurses to provide their unavailability prior to the posted schedule based on the following conditions:
- PT nurse may make themselves unavailable for 2 single days (non- consecutive) per schedule and 4 single days (non-consecutive) for the summer schedule
- PT nurses will still be required to be available to work their BECK
- Unavailability does not apply to weekends, paid holidays, Christmas Eve and Halloween
- Unavailable days cannot be carried over from one scheduling period to the next
- If there are multiple requests for the same day then seniority prevails
Requests need to be submitted to the People Service Centre on the attached form, two weeks prior to the schedule posting date. Given the short turnaround time, requests for the posted schedule on April 8, 2022, requests are due by midnight on March 27, 2022. Going forward, requests will be due on the Friday, 2 weeks prior to posting. Requests are to be emailed to KHSCPeopleServicesCentre @Kingstonhsc.ca
This Letter of Understanding will be for a trial period during the length of the current local agreement. The parties will be meeting on a quarterly basis to review the trial and address any issues that may arise. The intent of this is to allow part time employees an avenue to request individual days off for personal appointments without the need to book off a full seven day stretch of vacation.
We welcome your feedback during this trial period!
Sincerely,
Annette Saccon Laurie Hutchinson
ONA Local 99 Employee and Labour Relations Advisor
Bargaining Unit President
Update Monday March 14, 2022
Local Leadership are looking to meet with KHSC ONA members regarding Local Contract rollout
A virtual ONA KHSC membership meeting Friday March 25, 2022 from 1530-1730
To attend please sign up in advance by emailing Laura-Ashley Detlor @ kghsitevp@onalocal99.org to receive your TEAMS link
Update Wednesday February 9, 2022
Please find attached KHSC Employee Coaching, Counselling and Support Brochure for;
Your Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Update Thursday February 3, 2022
Ontario Nurses’ Association to Meet with Premier Again Next Week to Discuss Nursing Retention……(read full story)
February 3, 2022
Update Wednesday February 9th, 2022:
-
Friendly Reminder KHSC ONA STAFF
- Biannual Vacation Requests for period May 1st 2022 thru October 31st 2022 submissions due February 15, 2022
- ONA Beck Submissions for period of April 25, 2022 thru October 24th , 2022 submissions due February 15, 2022
Update Tuesday February 1, 2022
ONA will not back down…my first 30 days………(click to read entire article)
I – along with our strong and fierce Board of Directors – have an unyielding desire to improve your work lives and the care of our patients, residents and clients, no matter how difficult the fight may be. Working on the frontlines of health care is akin to chaos at the best of times and we are telling all who will listen.
We ARE in the media – every single day. Since January 1, we have been telling your stories that have been featured in newspapers, on TV and radio, local publications and blogs. It is your stories that matter to our communities, and we will continue to loudly voice our challenges and concerns. And it’s not just me who is speaking with the media; your Board members are hard at work sharing the challenges all health sectors are facing, right across this province. Since the beginning of 2022, ONA has been highlighted in more than 50 articles, features and newscasts – and we will not slow down
And we are just getting started.
Cathryn Hoy, RN
Provincial President
Celebrate Nurse Practitioners’ Week 2021
We recognize the vital role that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play in our health-care system and celebrate the work of our NP members during Nurse Practitioner Week, November 7-13.
NP Week is held annually to celebrate NPs and raise awareness of the exceptional care they provide to communities across Ontario. It is an opportunity to educate policymakers on the need to harness the full potential of NPs to improve timely access to health care for all Canadians.
Congtatulations!!!!
Cathryn Hoy, RN Elected Ontario Nurses’ Association President
TORONTO, Ont., November 2, 2021 – The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is pleased to announce that Cathryn Hoy, RN, has been elected as the union’s new president.
Cathryn is set to become the new leader of ONA on January 1, 2022.
Cathryn brings a wealth of both nursing and union experience, having served as ONA First Vice-President for two terms and as Vice-President of ONA Region 2. Cathryn has years of hospital nursing experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit, pediatrics, women’s health, emergency medicine, oncology and surgery. She has also worked as a clinical educator.
Cathryn says her priority for ONA’s members is to “ensure they have a safe and quality work environment that enables these professionals to uphold practice standards in caring for Ontarians, and that they are treated with respect by government and their employers”
Cathryn would like to “thank” the members for all their support during the election.
Update Thursday September 30 2021:
ONA 2021 Provincial Elections
Candidate for President
Cathryn Hoy R.N. Local 99 cathrynhoy12@gmail.com
Voting information (including PIN number) will be sent to members commencing September 27, 2021. Members can vote until 4:00 p.m. on November 1, 2021.
1. Call 1-866-398-1586 or vote online at https://ona.simplyvoting.com.
2. Listen to the easy-to-follow prompts or follow the instructions on screen.
3. Select the candidate of your choice and confirm your selection.
For more information, including resumes of the candidates, visit our website at www.ona.org/board21 or contact the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (Chief Executive Officer) at chiefelectoralofficer@ona.org.
Update Wednesday August 11, 2021:
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Requirements
Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has implemented the COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Policy # 02-199 for all staff who work at KHSC including employees, physicians and credentialed staff, students, volunteers, and contracted staff who regularly work on site
Although COVID-19 vaccination is currently not mandatory, it is strongly recommended as a key strategy to protect our patients, staff, and their families, and is a key factor in KHSC’s re-opening framework.
The policy requires all individuals working at KHSC to undertake one of the following:
- Provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination to Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness (OHSW).
- Email proof to KHSCoccupationalhealthsafety@kingstonhsc.ca or drop it off in the OHSW department. If you have misplaced your COVID-19 vaccine receipt(s), you can access and print the records from this site: https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/. (copy and paste this link into Chrome)
- Note: Even though you were vaccinated at KHSC, proof of vaccination is still required as OHSW has no access to those vaccination records.
- Provide OHSW with written proof of your medical contraindication, from your physician or nurse practitioner, should you be medically unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Written proof must indicate you are medically unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the period of time you are unable (e.g. permanent or, if temporary, for what period of time).
- Complete the KHSC COVID-19 vaccine training module if you elect not to be vaccinated at this time.
- While all staff have been assigned this e-learning through KnowledgeNow, only non-vaccinated staff, with no medical contraindication to vaccination, are required to complete the module.
- For other individuals working on site who do not have a KnowledgeNow account (e.g. volunteers, physicians), the e-learning module can be accessed here.
- Please take a screen shot of the last page as your proof of completion and provide it to OHSW.
Please contact OHSW at 613-549-6666 x4389 (KGH site) should you have any questions about this policy or its requirements.
Update Thursday July 19, 2021:
- Friendly Reminder KHSC ONA STAFF
- Biannual Vacation Requests for period November 1 ,2021 thru April 30 ,2022 submissions due August 15, 2021
- ONA Beck Submissions for period of October 25, 2021 thru April 24 , 2022 submissions due September 15, 2021
Update Friday July 16, 2021:
Staffing Ratio Based Nursing
It has come to our attention that the hospital has released a memorandum that has been circulated regarding staffing of units and ratio based nursing. We have not agreed to this and have received limited communication and information regarding its details including implementation. We are actively investigating this and will reach out with more information shortly. Again we do NOT agree with this!!!
Wednesday July 14, 2021:
GREIVING REASSIGNMENTS
It has come to our attention that the Hospital has been circumventing both the Local and Central Collective Agreements in order to staff units that are under staffed. Particularly with a) the REASSIGNMENT of nurses and circumventing Collective Agreement language.
If you have been REASSIGNED as a result of OVER SCHEDULING (including the calling in of extra staff on OT for the purpose of reassigning junior staff) we need to know about it!
If you have been reassigned 2 or more shifts in a row, we need to know about it.
If the Hospital has instructed to SKIP OVER MORE JUNIOR STAFF to reassign you (contrary to the Local Collective Agreement) to avoid reassigning staff 2 shifts in a row, We need to know about it.
Please email Annette at khscbup@onalocal99.org or myself at kghsitevp@onalocal99.org with REASSIGNMENT GREATER THAN 2 as the subject. Please include the dates and the circumstances of your reassignment so that we can review for the purpose of grieving.
Update Tuesday July 13,2021:
What staff can do:
- Universal masking is in effect for all clinical and non-clinical areas for all staff, including within shared work spaces. The only exception is when one person is alone in a private office.
- Universal masking is in effect for all patients when someone enters their bed space or when leaving their bed space.
- Protective eyewear (e.g. safety glasses, tight fitting googles, or face shield) must also been worn in all clinical spaces.
- As a reminder, staff must practice safe physical distancing while at work. Please maintain physical distancing while on breaks, eating in commons areas, etc. Masking is not a replacement for physical distancing.
Update Tuesday July 13, 2021:
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Requirements
Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has implemented the COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Policy # 02-199 for all staff who work at KHSC including employees, physicians and credentialed staff, students, volunteers, and contracted staff who regularly work on site.
Although COVID-19 vaccination is currently not mandatory, it is strongly recommended as a key strategy to protect our patients, staff, and their families, and is a key factor in KHSC’s re-opening framework.
The policy requires all individuals working at KHSC to undertake one of the following:
1. Provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination to Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness (OHSW).
Email proof to KHSCoccupationalhealthsafety@kingstonhsc.ca or drop it off in the OHSW department. If you have misplaced your COVID-19 vaccine receipt(s), you can access and print the records from this site: https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/. (copy and paste this link into Chrome)
Note: Even though you were vaccinated at KHSC, proof of vaccination is still required as OHSW has no access to those vaccination records.
2. Provide OHSW with written proof of your medical contraindication, from your physician or nurse practitioner, should you be medically unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Written proof must indicate you are medically unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the period of time you are unable (e.g. permanent or, if temporary, for what period of time).
3. Complete the KHSC COVID-19 vaccine training module if you elect not to be vaccinated at this time.
While all staff have been assigned this e-learning through KnowledgeNow, only non-vaccinated staff, with no medical contraindication to vaccination, are required to complete the module.
For other individuals working on site who do not have a KnowledgeNow account (e.g. volunteers, physicians), the e-learning module can be accessed here.
Please take a screen shot of the last page as your proof of completion and provide it to OHSW.
Please contact OHSW at 613-549-6666 x4389 (KGH site) should you have any questions about this policy or its requirements.
Staff must comply with one of the above requirements no later than July 30, 2021.
“COVID 19 PANDEMIC” RN’s at KHSC How does it Affect YOU!!!
Attention Local 099 ONA Members:
FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY– while at work if you need representation now, call Annette 613-572-1387
Your local leadership is working hard to ensure that each member remains up to date on evolving issues and concerns related to the COVID 19 pandemic. To ensure this, ONA Local 99 has updated their Local Webpage to keep members informed of evolving issues and resolutions as they are met.
Please visit local99.onalocal.org to remain current on information updates, issues that your local leadership is working on and resolutions made, as well as information updates as supplied by the employer. Information is also provided on the ONA Central website: ona.org
If you have questions, concerns, or issues please contact your Local Leadership via email:
Annette Saccon RN, Laura-Ashley Detlor RN, Nancy Savage RN,
Bargaining Unit President KGH Site Vice President HDH Site Vice President
khscbup@onalocal99.org kghsitevp@onalocal99.org hdhsitevp@onalocal99.org
Sherrie Airhart RN, Lana Greer Connell RN,
LACGH Bargaining Unit President JPC Bargaining Unit President
lacghnurses@gmail.com lana.gc@hotmail.com
Please note that we are attempting to address your issues as soon as possible. Please be patient as we have been receiving a high influx of concerns and are working hard to address each of them. Recognise that we are working with the employer to move forward during these new and evolving times.
Please refrain from posting or commenting negatively on social media outlets regarding the employer, as this may be terms for employer discipline.
“Know that your Local and Central Ontario Nurses Association leadership are working hard. We hear your concerns and are taking them seriously; they are being driven at a provincial and local level”
Update Thursday June17, 2021:
CBC The National – Airborne – Vicki McKenna and ONA member featured.
This aired last night on CBC The National. Interviews with Vicki McKenna, one of our members, Dr. Fisman, and Mario Possami:
Update Wednesday June 2, 2021:
Summer Schedule Posting:
ONA Staff
The Hospital in consultation with ONA have mutually agreed to delay the posting of the 12 week summer schedule by one week. The schedule will now be posted on June 11th rather than on the original date of June 4th. The one week delay will not affect the start of the summer schedule which will commence on June 21st for a 12 week period. The one week delay in posting will assist in the repatriation of staff to their home positions and the filling of vacancies over the summer vacation period. Thank you for accommodating this change.
UPDATE Monday May 10, 2021:
Please see KHSC internal Incident Command Update
Second -dose interval for high-risk health care workers
UPDATE Monday May 10, 2021:
High-Risk Health Care Workers Eligible to Receive a Second Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine at a Shortened Interval
Update Friday April 23, 2021
With the increasing strain of the third wave with effects of the Variants of Concern (VOC) on the Healthcare system in Ontario, and with support being provided by our Hospitals to endemic regions, it remains important that members continue to:
- Review hospital emails for updates from Incident Command and KHSC Leadership
- Monitor personal/home emails for updates from ONA Central Leadership
- Visit the Local 99 webpage and Facebook group for updates from Local 99 Leadership
If you have concerns, questions, or information directly impacting you and your practice, where appropriate please reach out to your KHSC Leaders and identify these concerns and copy Local Leadership on the communication. Additionally if you have any concerns that you would like ONA to take forward please reach via email to Annette Saccon (khscbup@onalocal99.org) and Laura-Ashley Detlor (kghsitevp@onalocal99.org ).
Update Wednesday April 14, 2021: Advice to Members Exposed to Covid-19
Workplace Exposure Form (click for Form)
If you are exposed to Covid please notify Occupational Health AND FILE a worker’s WSIB Exposure Incident From and a form 6 with WSIB and the employer. If you did not have appropriate PPE at the time of the of exposure document this on the incident form.
If you become ill with Covid the WSIB Adjudicator will consider your PPE as a factor in establishing a work-related exposure.
If you develop symptoms common to Covid-19, contact Occ health to have them complete a Form 7 and follow up with your Health Care Practitioner to have them complete a Form 8.
Ontario Nurses’ Association
Date: February 4, 2021
Advice to Members Exposed to SARS CoV-2
Advise members exposed to SARS CoV-2 to notify their Occupational Health Department, file a Worker’s WSIB Exposure Incident Form and a form 6 with the WSIB and the employer. If the member did not have appropriate PPE at the time of the exposure, they must document that on the incident form. Should the worker later become ill with COVID-19, the WSIB Occupational Disease Adjudicator will consider whether the worker had appropriate PPE as that will be a factor in establishing a work-related exposure.
Should the member develop any symptoms common to COVID-19, they should also ensure their Employer completes a Form 7 and see their Health Care Practitioner, who should complete a Form 8. Once an employer receives notice that a WSIB claim regarding Occupational Illness has been submitted, they are required to report to the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development (MLTSD), JHSC and the trade union within four days. This requirement comes from Section 52 (2) of the Act (OHSA). Normally, if an exposed worker was asymptomatic, we would not advise completing a form 6. We are doing so in these exceptional circumstances because employers are not providing reports to JHSCs about exposures, preventing JHSCs from identifying safety gaps and making recommendations to resolve them.
Update Thursday June 25, 2020:
Local nail salon clients asked to self-quarantine, be tested for COVID-19
Today, KFL&A Public Health declared an outbreak of COVID-19 associated with a personal service setting, Binh’s Nail and Spa at 500 Gardiners Road in Kingston. A number of cases in our community are linked back to visits there, including a KHSC staff member who tested positive last week. Salon staff have also tested positive. Public Health has issued an order to close the premises.
How does this affect KHSC?
We are asking any staff who have attended Binh’s Nail and Spa since Friday, June 12, 2020, to take the following steps:
- Identify yourself immediately to Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness (OHSW) at KGH ext. 4389 and provide the date when you attended the salon.
- Exclude yourself from work for 14 days from the date of your salon visit.
- Be tested for COVID-19. During your phone consultation with OHSW you will be directed to the location you can attend for swabbing (either HDH-site or Memorial Centre Assessment Centre).
- Be prepared to stay off work regardless of your swab results. Exemptions in the case of critically-needed staff will be determined by OHSW.
Update Tuesday June 16, 2020:
Please know that your Local ONA Leadership have continued to meet with the Employer on a weekly basis to discuss the Covid-19 Pandemic. Tabled discussions address provincial and local directions, practice changes, Occupational Health and Safety, Infection Control, and Labour Relations concerns. Please know that we continue to drive these concerns and work with the employer as they address these issues.
Pandemic Pay : Please know that this topic is brought forward weekly. Your Leadership and the Employer is aware of the frustrations surrounding this premium. While there has been some clarification from the Ontario Government regarding the classifications of who will qualify for this premium, the Hospital has identified that further clarification is needed regarding individuals of other memberships. At this time, the Ontario Government has also not released the funding for this premium and as such KHSC has made it clear that no payment will be made until the funding has been distributed. There has been discussion that this may not occur until August or later, however no firm timeline has been established. Both the Unions and KHSC continue to bring these concerns forward.
Unfortunately this is not just an issue experienced by only KHSC frontline health-care workers alone and the Ontario front-line is rightly upset at how this premium has yet to be followed through on. Please see the media excerpt below.
Ontario workers have not yet received their COVID-19 pandemic pay premium
A pandemic pay premium promised to approximately 375,000 frontline health-care workers has not yet been paid out, the Ontario government said Monday, stressing that the cash is coming soon.
Update Saturday May 28, 2020:
Pandemic Pay: The Hospital has received final direction from the Ontario Government and are actively working on the implementation of the Pandemic Pay. ONA and KHSC are working together and members can expect more information next week regarding implementation.
Amendment to Directive 2:
The Government of Ontario has made an amendment to Directive 2 to support the gradual resumption of non-essential and elective services. While awaiting this announcement, KHSC has worked with sub-regional partners to create a plan to provide access to regularly-scheduled surgeries and procedures for patients throughout Southeastern Ontario, while ensuring feasibility through a nine-point feasibility assessment for each site.
Plans are now awaiting approval from the Ontario Health East regional table and Ontario Health. Once there is approval, KHSC will begin prioritizing and scheduling elective/planned surgeries and procedures. Various criteria including the condition of the patient, risks in delaying treatment, and availability of needed resources will be included in planning and scheduling. It is important to note that along with PPE, medications, and post-operative care needs including primary care and home-and-community care will be assessed to determine what surgeries/procedures will occur. Through partnerships, KHSC is working to ensure that post-operative care, rehabilitation, and home care, are available and coordinated before surgeries are scheduled.
ONA Local 099 continues to take part in tabled discussions with KHSC and continues to advocate on behalf of our members and their patients. We continue to urge our members to be good stewards of supplies and as well to reach out if they have any concerns or issues to be brought forward.
Update Thursday May 14, 2020:
Please review the following as outlined in the Collective Agreement pertaining to Layoff Process. As per the Collective Agreement (pp. 44-45):
A “Layoff” shall include a reduction in a nurse’s hours of work and cancellation of all or part of a nurse’s scheduled shift…
Section 10.09 Layoff – Process and Options
- In the event of a layoff, nurses shall be laid off in the reverse order of seniority provided that the nurses who are entitled to remain on the basis of seniority are qualified to preform the available work. Subject to the foregoing, probationary nurses shall be first laid off.
- Nurses shall have the following entitlements in the event of a layoff; Prior to implementing a short-term layoff on a unit, nurses will first be offered, in order of seniority, the opportunity to take a vacation day(s), utilize any compensating/lieu time credits or to take unpaid leaves in order to minimize the impact of a short-term layoff.
- A nurse who has been notified of a short-term layoff may:
- Accept the layoff; or
- Opt to retire if eligible under the terms of the Hospital’s pension plan as outlined Article 17.04; or
- Elect to transfer to a vacant position, provided she or he is qualified to perform the available work; or
- Displace the least senior nurse in the bargaining unit whose work she or he is qualified to preform
- A nurse who has been notified of a short-term layoff may:
Update Tuesday May 5, 2020:
Attention all Local 99 Members, Please note that KHSC will be following the Collective Agreement for cancellation or retraction of vacation, which means it Must be 2 weeks in advance of the posted schedule. Please contact us if this happens differently.
Thank-you
Update Monday April 26, 2020:
On April 25th Premier Doug Ford made an announcement in a press conference: Ontario Supporting Frontline Heroes of Covid-19 with Pandemic Pay. The Announcement was a welcomed surprise as all Healthcare Unions have been lobbying for additional compensation during this time. ONA is still seeking to clarify some of the information provided by the Ontario Government. Please watch your personal emails over the few days for additional information from your Ontario Nurses’ Association President, Vicki McKenna!
More information and discussion will come during ONA’s Townhall on April 29th 2020 (5:30-6:30pm for Region 2).
Please see below for some excerpts from yesterday’s press release: Ontario Supporting Frontline Heroes of Covid-19 with Pandemic Pay
Government Recognizes the Dedication and Sacrifice of Frontline Workers April 25th 2020 1:00pm…………Please read more….
Update Thursday April 16, 2020:
Last night a town hall for ONA members was hosted by your provincial leadership. If you did not have the opportunity to attend please visit the Ontario Nurses’ Association Facebook page and listen to the live audio recording. Below is a copy of the email sent out to members Sunday April 12th. Vicki McKenna on behalf of ONA discusses our position and advice regarding PPE as well as provides a breakdown of the changes implemented in Directive 5 without the consultation or collaboration of the Ontario Nurses’ Association.
Update Tuesday April 14, 2020:
April 15 Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19;
On Wednesday, April 15, ONA will hold Telephone Town Halls in two sessions: from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. (for Regions 1, 2 and 5) and from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (for Regions 3 and 4).
ONA CEO Bev Mathers and I will co-facilitate the discussion and provide you with the most up-to-date information and directives.
All members will receive a call to join the Town Hall at 4:45 p.m. if you are in ONA Regions 1, 2 and 5. For members who are in Regions 3 or 4, you will receive a call at 7:15 p.m. You need to accept the call to connect to it. If you are not able to pick up the call, you will receive a voicemail with a number for you to use to connect yourself to the town hall. ONA will develop a question-and-answer document after the town hall.
In addition, the Town Halls will be on Facebook Audio Live. You can visit https://www.facebook.com/ontarionurses at 4:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. to listen in and hear answers to some of your questions.
I encourage you to join if you are able.
I will continue to provide further updates as they become available.
ONA is working as quickly as possible on every front to ensure your safety as you continue to provide care to your patients, residents and clients.
In Solidarity,
Vicki McKenna, RN
President
P.S. If you’ve moved or changed your phone number recently, and you want to update the contact information that we have on file for you in our union’s membership list, please submit your current contact info online: https://www.ona.org/update
Update Thursday April 9, 2020:
There have been many questions regarding Reassignment and Shift Cancellations. As taken from our current Local Collective Agreement with Kingston Health Sciences Centre:
H. 18 Reassignment of Nurses
The Hospital and the Union recognize that it is a management right to reassign an employee who is scheduled to work in accordance with the provisions of the Central Collective Agreement. The Hospital and the Union agree to implement the following principles if such reassignment occurs : H. 18 Reassignment of Nurses Read more…….
H.19 Shift Cancellation
As contemplated in Article 14.12, in the event of shift cancellation once the shift has commenced, such cancellation shall be in the following order of the unit: H.19 Shift Cancellation…Read more…
Update Wednesday April 9, 2020:
- In-house patient screening has begun at KGH. In-patient’s will now be screened twice daily using the “Daily COVID Risk Assessment” Tool. Please review this tool and send any questions you may have you clinical learning specialists.
- Please know that we are continuing to meet regularly with KHSC Leadership for discussions surrounding Occupational Health and Labour Relations. If you have any concerns please let us know so that we can bring them forward.
- Professional Responsibility Workload Report Forms (PRWRF)Article 8 of the Collective Agreement describes the Professional Responsibility that each member has under the Regulated Health Professions Act to report concerns related to Professional Practice. This is freely negotiated in recognition that patient care is enhanced if concerns related to professional practice, patient acuity, fluctuating workloads, and staffing are resolved in both a timely and effective manner. Parties (both ONA and KHSC) encourage nurses to raise ANY issues that negatively impact their workload or patient care (ONA Hospital Central Collective Agreement, pp. 24). Acuity, staffing (including support staff), health and safety, equipment, supplies, maintenance issues, missed breaks, inappropriate assignments, over capacity, working short, and other practice concerns are included in Practice Concerns. The Covid-19 pandemic is not an exception to this Report!During these rapidly evolving and unprecedented times, ONA encourages that members continue to follow the process under this article. Failing sought resolutions at the time of an incident, members are encouraged to fill out a PRWRF. This Form is not a grievance and does not subject those who are reporting to any penalty or reproach, rather it allows for resolutions to be developed to prevent reported issues continuing in practice.Please continue to identify these issues! Please continue to file PRWRFs!
- Safe ReportingAs per Kingston Health Sciences Centre, all work-place related incidents (including violence), injuries, and hazards affecting staff should be documented using the online Safe Reporting Tool. KHSC and ONA recognize that to often these issues go under reported. Collectively, there is HUGE concern that if incidents and hazards go unreported, improvements at the point of care cannot be made. ONA requests that members actively fill out Safe Reports when faced with these issues!Please note that once submitted, safe report numbers can also be recorded by members on a PRWRF!!!
Update Friday April 3, 2020:
Common Questions and Answers
- Hospital not providing proper PPE?
- Reusing Masks?
- Pregnant or Immunosuppressed workers?
- Choosing a single employer-loss of hours?
- Critical Care Premium?
Please note these responses will be subject to change as we get MOL orders or not, litigate, the Government creates new Directives or makes changes to Legislation. Needless to say members should be referred back to the Bargaining Unit President so that advice and direction can be sought from the servicing LRO.
Update Wednesday April 1, 2020:
For your review as provided by the College of Nurses of Ontario, Questions and Answers to Professional practice Questions. This document contains frequently asked questions related to ongoing expectations and changes in practices related to Covid-19.
Additional resources are available throughout this document and on the College of Nurses of Ontario website.
Professional Practice Q&A
- If I am assigned a COVID positive patient and my employer has not provided me with PPE that I feel keeps me safe from infection, can I refuse the assignment? What would the CNO do to me if I resigned my position on the spot?
Update Wednesday April 1st 2020:
The Declaration of a Provincial State of Emergency has been officially extended for Ontario and will be in effect until April 14th 2020. Additionally the following orders have been extended and will remain in effect until April 13th 2020.
Ontario Increasing Health and Safety Measures to Better Protect Frontline Nurses from COVID-19
March 30, 2020 3:58 P.M.
TORONTO — Ontario is taking further action to protect frontline nurses and to recognize their clinical training and experience to help to keep Ontarians and hospitals safe and healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Update Monday March 30, 2020
There has been a high influx of questions in Ontario regarding WSIB payment for members who are required to Self-Quarantine, whether full-time or part-time. In response please review the following WSIB Document entitled Adjudicative Approach document Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Claims (dated March 23rd 2020). This document is located in our links section on the right.
“In determining the work-relatedness of COVID-19 claims, the decision-maker will consider whether:
Update Monday March 30, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The status of cases in KFL&A
Confirmed positive test results 34
Negative test results 628
Pending test results 122
Total number of patients approved for COVID-19 testing to date 784
Percentage rate of positive results 4.33%
Updated on 2020-03-30, 1:55 p.m.
KFL&A Community Assessment centre status
Update Sunday March 29, 2020
Update Saturday March 28, 2020
MEMO from Vicki McKenna
If you are an ONA member reading this please check your personal email for a memo from Vicki McKenna about this crisis and mask shortage. There is direction required on your part to stay safe while working and caring for our patients.
If your personal email (not your work email) is not registered with ONA go to the ONA website, ona.org and sign in and add your email.
If you are having difficulty speak to Annette kghbuvp@kingston.net or email me at bernier@ona.org and I can forward you the memo.
Bernie Robinson
Region 2 VP
ONA
Update Friday March 27, 2020
2 New Administrative Policies!
Please be advised that KHSC has developed 2 New Administrative Policies entitled:
- Protected Code Blue (Policy #11-086)
- Code 99 for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Covid-19 (Policy #11-087)
Along with KHSC, ONA strongly advises all members to review these policies and note the changes in practice to “minimize the risk to members of the team while continuing to provide patients with high quality care” (Kingston Health Sciences Centre, 2020).
Please note that both of these policies apply to the management of care for patients who are confirmed, suspected, or pending Covid-19 results. All Patients meeting this criterion will be placed under contact and droplet precautions and in the event of either a Code Blue or Code 99 and MUST be approached as such.
Please read these policies in FULL to gain an understanding of how these events will be managed and changes to your current practice.
Key Points to keep in Mind Protected Code Blue:
Update Tuesday March 24, 2020:
It is ONA’s position that Members who are off on self isolation or placed on 14-day quarantine be kept whole and paid. ONA Local 99 is grieving the employer’s decision of not paying members when off during these circumstances. ONA Local 99 is actively compiling a Group and Policy Grievance. ONA continues to challenge KHSC in ongoing discussions.
If you are or have been off on self isolation/quarantine and have been denied pay, please contact Annette Saccon kghbuvp@kingston.net, to have your name added to this Group/Policy Grievance.
While you are being unpaid, members are instructed by KHSC to apply for Employment Insurance and/or use vacation, lieu, or banked overtime credits. While we challenge this decision, ONA Local 99 recognizes that members need to receive income and encourages members to access Employment Insurance and credits during this time.
Please see below for ROE information. Please also note that if you open a claim through Employment Insurance, this claim remains open 14-45 weeks depending.
ROE update as provided by the Employer:
Requesting Record of Employment for EI benefits
If you are required to self-quarantine, the hospital will support you in accessing, if applicable, credits including vacation and lieu banks (stats and overtime); please notify your manager of your request. Or you may apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits; the federal government has waived the waiting period. To apply, you will need to request a Record of Employment (ROE) from Payroll at payrolltime@kingstonhsc.ca. Be sure to include “ROE Request” in the subject line and include your Manager on your request. ROEs will be issued weekly and sent electronically direct to Service Canada with reason Code N (Leave of Absence) and comment indicating “quarantine period due to COVID-19.”
Update Tuesday March 24, 2020:
Clarification of changes in practice with precautions for MRSA and C. diff patients. Please see table below as provided by the Employer:
“There have been practice change to the PPE requirement for Contact Precautions for patients with MRSA and C. diff only.
Precaution signage is to remain posted and isolation cart outside of room.
A risk assessment should be done prior to entering a patient room to determine if gown and gloves are required or if hand hygiene is sufficient. If no patient contact is occurring, we recommend hand hygiene only. If you are going to come in contact with body fluids/excretions/secretions, wear gloves and a gown.”
Wear gown and gloves for:
- Body contact with blood/body fluids/secretions/excretions
- Exposure to non-intact skin and mucous membranes
- Exposure to contaminated equipment or surfaces including cleaning
Update Tuesday March 24, 2020:
N95 Masks/PPE and Questions around Your Rights for Work Refusal
*** Please Contact your Local Bargaining Unit President, Annette Saccon for information and guidance surrounding work refusals***
Information as provided by Ontario Nurses Association:
Communicating and Triggering the Work Refusal Process for Coronavirus:
Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), health-care workers in places like hospitals and long-term care homes do have a right to refuse unsafe work but it is more limited than industrial workers and community health-care workers.
When dealing with infectious disease, health-care workers can refuse to work as long as the elements of the work and workplace are NOT INHERENT in their work and refusing does not endanger them or someone else.
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