The government of British Columbia has proclaimed today, Oct. 18, 2012, as Health Care Assistant Day to recognize the frontline service that health-care assistants provide for seniors and others in care.

Beginning in 2011, this day highlights the importance of the work that over 40,000 health-care assistants perform each day. They provide support and protection that help British Columbians remain independent and active in their homes and in their communities. To meet the needs of an increasingly aging population, committed and dedicated health-care assistants are there to maintain the comfort and quality of care provided.

They also work around the clock providing professional care and supervision for those who have more complex needs. The work health-care assistants provide in a wide variety of settings is integral to the health-care system. The term "health-care assistant" refers to several different positions, including community-health workers, residential-care aides, home-support workers, long-term care aides, continuing-care assistants and personal-care aides.

Health-care assistants are registered under the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, introduced in 2010. The registry reports directly to Health Match BC, a free professional health-care recruitment service funded by the government of British Columbia.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Seniors, Ralph Sultan -

"As I have been travelling around the province this week, I've had the privilege of meeting care workers in private and public care facilities and seeing the wonderful caring, loving, interaction and care they give their clients."

John Mabbott, executive director, Health Match BC-

"I would like to extend my congratulations to the health-care assistants, who provide 24/7 care to those at home and in facilities. Your work is recognized today and each day by those whose lives and independence are improved by your work."

Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)