Human Resources Update

There have been many changes in the Human Resources Department since the arrival in summer 2008 of Terry McMahon, the NHS’s new Vice President Human Resources. Many new initiatives have already been introduced under Terry’s leadership or are planned in all aspects of Human Resources.

Labour Relations

This past year has witnessed major changes in labour relations priorities. A team of labour relations staff are now in place with a clear focus on improving the labour relations climate. Notable achievements include:

• Comprehensive training for all managers;
• Written agreement with all unions on a set of guiding principles to guide the improvement in our relationships;
• Significant reductions in grievance activity with a 33 per cent reduction in the overall number of grievances;
• Successful negotiations of collective agreements with both Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) and Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

Recruitment

Recruitment activity in the past year has been enhanced. The overall NHS vacancy rate of 5.5 per cent compares favourably with the province-wide average vacancy rate of 6.1 per cent. With regard to Nursing, the vacancy rate of 6.3 per cent also compared favourably to a province-wide vacancy rate of 7.9 per cent. There has been a particular emphasis on filling full-time Nursing vacancies – there are now 41 fewer full-time vacancies than last year for Nursing.

Student Resources

Student Resources provides learning opportunities for individuals working towards a career in healthcare. Over the past year, Student Resources coordinated placements for approximately 1,100 students throughout the NHS. Of all new hires last year, 20 per cent completed student placements.

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety implemented a range of efficiency improvements throughout the year. A revised Attendance Management Program was implemented along with a renewed focus on disability management. Benchmark indicators for both lost-time frequency and injury severity are similar to hospitals across the province.

Organizational Development

Organizational Development activities included the revision of a Workplace Relations and Violence Prevention Policy. Special one-time funding was awarded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to support the training of staff in crisis prevention and alternate dispute resolution skills. Another major initiative involved implementation of a revised and simplified performance appraisal process for all staff.

Volunteer Resources

Volunteer Resources continues to develop programs and opportunities that meet the needs of the NHS and Volunteers and Auxiliaries to contribute in meaningful ways. Emergency Room Volunteers, Meal Time Friends and Art Therapy Volunteers are examples of just a few. With the implementation of initiatives such as the Take Care of Your Future program (introduces adolescents to various healthcare career opportunities), youth are introduced to, and witness first hand, the importance of volunteerism.