A recent Ministry of Health document reveals that hospitals and long-term care (LTC) homes in Ontario collectively spent close to $1 billion on agency staff to fill shifts for nurses and personal support workers (PSWs) last year. The surge in agency usage reflects a growing reliance on temporary staffing solutions to address staffing shortages across the healthcare sector.
The document, obtained by The Canadian Press through a freedom-of-information request, highlights a significant increase in agency usage from the previous year. Despite assertions by Health Minister Sylvia Jones that agency usage is declining in the province, data indicates a rise in agency staff hours and total costs incurred by healthcare facilities.
The escalating costs associated with agency staffing pose challenges for hospitals and LTC homes, as agencies typically charge double or triple the regular hourly rate for their services. While agency staffing remains a vital resource for healthcare organizations facing staffing shortages, concerns persist about the financial sustainability of relying heavily on temporary solutions.
Lisa Levin, CEO of AdvantAge Ontario, warns that agency costs are straining budgets for care in LTC homes. The soaring expenses associated with agency staffing underscore the need for measures to address the root causes of staffing shortages and mitigate reliance on temporary solutions.
While agency staffing is essential for many northern and rural hospitals, efforts are underway to expand the healthcare workforce in these communities. Initiatives such as the Learn and Stay grant aim to attract and retain healthcare professionals in underserved areas, while also facilitating the entry of internationally and interprovincially educated nurses into Ontario’s healthcare system.
However, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner criticizes the growing reliance on staffing agencies, arguing that it leads to excessive expenditure of taxpayer dollars and is financially unsustainable in the long run. NDP Leader Marit Stiles echoes these concerns, emphasizing the need for increased funding to address staffing shortages and reduce reliance on private nursing agencies.
As hospitals and LTC homes grapple with staffing challenges, calls are mounting for measures to regulate agency pricing and ensure fair compensation for temporary staff. While the Ministry of Long-Term Care explores the possibility of creating a vendor of record for approved LTC agencies to regulate prices, advocates stress the importance of implementing measures that benefit the entire healthcare sector.
Overall, the revelations regarding agency staffing costs underscore the urgency of addressing staffing shortages through comprehensive and sustainable solutions, ensuring the delivery of quality care to patients across Ontario.