Health Minister Terry Lake today issued the following statement on National Nursing Week, May 12-18, 2014:

“Nurses are important, highly-skilled members of health care teams throughout the province, and I want to acknowledge their hard work and dedication this week.

“The theme of National Nursing Week 2014 is ‘Nursing: A leading force for change’ and nurses in B.C. are at the forefront when it comes to innovation.

“For example, registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and nurse practitioners play an integral role on two new Assertive Community Treatment teams, which provide community treatment and rehabilitation for clients in Vancouver struggling with mental illness and who may also have severe substance use addictions. The team provides long-term 24/7 health care and life skills supports, job training, assistance with finding independent housing, social interaction counselling, and maintaining physical and mental wellness.

“The Kla-How-Eya Healing Place in Surrey opened its doors last fall to provide culturally safe and holistic primary health-care services for urban Aboriginal clients. A nurse practitioner works collaboratively on-site with other health professionals to meet the health-care needs of Aboriginal people who don’t have access to a regular family physician.

“The clinic is a great example of how the Nurse Practitioner for BC program is benefiting communities around the province. This program provides funding for 135 new nurse practitioners over three fiscal years. We have placed 87 additional nurse practitioners so far. In the coming months, we’ll place the third round of nurse practitioners, as we finalize these opportunities with the health authorities for communities throughout the province.

“Licensed practical nurses also are taking on roles in B.C. communities as nursing liaisons and playing key roles in residential care, dialysis and perioperative nursing.

“Our government recognizes the vital contribution nurses make to health care in British Columbia, meeting a variety of needs in a wide range of settings. In fact, nurses are often the first point of contact for many seeking assistance.

“During National Nursing Week, I offer my thanks to all nurses - whether they are registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses or nurse practitioners - for the great work they do and remind British Columbians about the importance of these dedicated professionals.”

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)